Peripheral refraction of young adults with myopia: a cross-sectional study

Peripheral refraction is associated with myopia development. Due to a varying prevalence of myopia across different ethnic groups, the aim of the present study was to investigate the peripheral refraction profile in an Arabic population.

Adults attending an optometry clinic were recruited into this cross-sectional study. Peripheral refraction of the right eyes was measured using an open field autorefractor under noncycloplegic conditions along the temporal-nasal meridians (15° and 35°) in participants with emmetropia, or low, moderate, or high myopia. Refractions were converted into power vector components, including the spherical equivalent of central refraction, J0 and J45 astigmatism. STROBE guidelines were followed for study reporting.

A total of 138 adults (aged 20-29 years) were enrolled. Relative peripheral refractive error (RPRE) varied between refractive groups and increased with eccentricity. The RPRE was more hyperopic in myopia groups, with the nasal visual field being more hyperopic. A significant relationship was found between RPRE and central refraction, but not with J0 and J45 scores.

Participants with moderate myopia exhibited more hyperopic RPRE compared with previous findings in other ethnic groups. Hyperopic RPRE was significantly associated with myopia. Accurate RPRE measurement are essential for designing personalized lenses to slow down myopia progression. This study provides an RPRE baseline in the population investigated, which will be useful for future studies on personalized lens design, including spectacles and contact lenses.