The impacts of high refractive errors on self-reported visual function and visual concern

To examine the association between refractive errors and self-reported visual function and visual concern, considering self-perceived present eyesight, concerns about vision, accomplishing less and limitations in daily activities in an eye-healthy cohort.

A cross-sectional design was used, drawing upon data from a Danish eye and vision cohort, Project FOREVER. Data included refractive measurements and questionnaire responses from participants aged 18 years and above. Logistic regression was applied to investigate the association between self-reported visual function, visual concern and refractive measurements. Refraction was grouped based on spherical equivalent values. Participants were defined as eye-healthy without the presence of self-reported eye disease and a visual acuity of 0.8 or above.

Analyses were done on data from 42 741-42 879 participants (considering only complete responses for each model) and showed that high refractive errors (≤ -6 D and ≥ +6 D) were significantly associated with diminished self-reported visual function and visual concern. High myopia was associated with lower self-perceived present eyesight (OR = 1.89, 95% CI: 1.69-2.11, p < 0.001), increased vision concerns (OR = 1.78, 95% CI: 1.59-1.99, p < 0.001), reduced self-perceived accomplishment (OR = 1.14, 95% CI: 1.01-1.28, p < 0.05) and greater vision-related limitations (OR = 1.44, 95% CI: 1.28-1.61, p < 0.001). High hypermetropia was similarly associated with lower self-perceived present eyesight (OR = 4.23, 95% CI: 3.05-5.87, p < 0.001), increased vision concerns (OR = 2.15, 95% CI: 1.51-3.07, p < 0.001), reduced self-perceived accomplishment (OR = 2.83, 95% CI: 1.99-4.01, p < 0.001) and greater vision-related limitations (OR = 2.78, 95% CI: 1.94-3.97, p < 0.001).

The present findings demonstrate a statistically significant negative correlation between high refractive errors and self-reported visual function as well as decreased visual concern. They provide a new perspective on the impact of high refractive errors and highlight the importance of further research aimed at preventing their development.