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Updated: May 26, 2025
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Binocular Dynamic Visual Acuity in Eyeglass-Corrected Myopic Patients
Published on: March 29, 2022
2.5K
Myopia in Houston optometry graduates from 2013 to 2023.
Barsha Lal1, Joshua Joseph, Amy Cantrell
1University of Houston College of Optometry, Houston, Texas.
Summary
High myopia prevalence was found in optometry students. Refractive error showed a small but significant myopic shift, suggesting education and near work may influence myopia progression.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology and Optometry
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Adult onset and progression of myopia are not well understood.
- Young adults, particularly students, face risk factors like intense near-work demands.
- Characterizing myopia progression in this demographic is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the prevalence and progression of myopia and other refractive errors.
- Focus on optometry students in the United States.
- Investigate potential links between academic demands and refractive changes.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart review of electronic medical records.
- Included optometry students graduating between 2013 and 2023.
- Exclusion criteria: ocular disease, myopia control treatment, refractive surgery. Refractive errors determined by spherical equivalent refraction (SER).
Main Results:
- 80.7% prevalence of myopia among 961 included students.
- A statistically significant myopic shift (negative SER change) of -0.05 D was observed over 1.60 years.
- Myopia onset occurred in 15.7% of emmetropes; progression linked to follow-up duration and younger age.
Conclusions:
- Optometry students exhibit a high prevalence of myopia.
- A small but significant myopic progression was detected in this cohort.
- Findings suggest a potential role of intensive education and near work in myopia development and progression.
