Refractive Error of Students (12–15-years-old) in Northwestern Mexico

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study is to assess the refractive error and visual dysfunctions of students attending the basic educational system (12-15 years old) of the state of Sinaloa, Mexico. Methods: A total of 901 (451 female and 450 male) students in Sinaloa’s basic school system participated in the study from 2020 to 2021. Optometrists and student clinicians from the Optometry Program of the Autonomous University of Sinaloa conducted the testing. Tests included visual acuities and static retinoscopy. We used a cycloplegic agent for those with far visual acuity equal to or worse than 20/40, accordingly to the Refractive Error Study in Children protocol. Results: The results showed a high prevalence of uncorrected refractive errors. Myopia, defined as a spherical equivalent r ≤ -0.50 D, had a prevalence of 24.7% (95% CI: 21.5— 27.5).Hyperopia, defined as a spherical equivalent refractive error ≥ +2.00 D, had a prevalence of 2.04% (95% CI: 1.14 - 3.19).Astigmatism, defined as a refractive error with a cylinder ≥ -0.75 D had a prevalence of 19.8% (95% CI: 16.9—22.5). We did not find a significant effect of sex on visual acuity. Conclusion: Our results are consistent with a high prevalence of myopia reported in children worldwide and in Mexico’s northern regions. The results suggest that children attending the basic educational system should have an optometric eye examination.