Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 2, 2025
05:46
Author Spotlight: Advancements in Refractive Surgical Correction for Presbyopia and Exploring Postoperative Visual Acuity
Published on: September 20, 2024
431
Uncorrected Refractive Error in the African American Eye Disease Study
Nathan Dhablania1, Mina Torres1, Bruce Burkemper2
1Southern California Eye Institute, CHA Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center, Los Angeles.
JAMA Ophthalmology
|February 22, 2024
Summary
Refractive error is a major cause of correctable vision impairment in African American adults. Addressing this through vision care and glasses can significantly reduce impairment and improve quality of life.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Refractive error is the primary cause of correctable visual impairment in the United States.
- Correction of refractive error can mitigate associated morbidity and enhance quality of life and productivity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the prevalence and risk factors of uncorrected refractive error (UCRE) and unmet refractive need (URN) in a population-based sample of African American adults.
- To determine the burden of these conditions within this demographic.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study was conducted with 6,337 African American adults aged 40 and older in Inglewood, California.
- Participants underwent ophthalmic examinations and questionnaires to identify sociodemographic, lifestyle, and health-related risk factors for UCRE and URN.
- UCRE was defined as a 2-line improvement with refraction in the better-seeing eye; URN was defined for visually impaired individuals with similar improvement potential.
Main Results:
- The prevalence of any UCRE was 14.6%, and any URN was 5.4% among the participants.
- Refractive error-related correctable visual impairment affected over two-thirds (68.7%) of those with visual impairment.
- The mean age of participants was 61 years, with 63% being female.
Conclusions:
- A significant burden of refractive error exists in African American adults, contributing substantially to visual impairment.
- Universal vision care coverage and access to prescription glasses are cost-effective interventions.
- These interventions could decrease visual impairment by over two-thirds and improve life quality and productivity in this population.
Related Concept Videos
01:16Focusing of Light in the Eye
2.8K
Light rays enter the eye through the cornea, a transparent dome-shaped tissue that is the eye's outermost layer. The cornea bends or refracts, light rays traveling to the pupil. The shape of the cornea determines how much of the light is bent and whether the image will be focused correctly on the retina at the back of the eye. Once the light has passed through both refraction layers, it converges into a single focal point onto a small area. This is where photoreceptors start transforming...
2.8K
01:22Photoreceptors and Visual Pathways
6.0K
At the molecular level, visual signals trigger transformations in photopigment molecules, resulting in changes in the photoreceptor cell's membrane potential. The photon's energy level is denoted by its wavelength, with each specific wavelength of visible light associated with a distinct color. The spectral range of visible light, classified as electromagnetic radiation, spans from 380 to 720 nm. Electromagnetic radiation wavelengths exceeding 720 nm fall under the infrared category,...
6.0K