Prevalence of refractive errors in Hungary reveals threefold increase in myopia

Abstract

AIM: To examine the prevalence and composition of refractive errors in Hungary. METHODS: Nationwide cross-sectional data collected between 2014 and 2019 were analysed from the Comprehensive Health Screening Program of Hungary, which provided spectacle dioptric power and autorefractometry data for 68 227 people (35 850 women and 32 377 men). Their age distribution, 18-99y, was similar to the national demographic distributions. RESULTS: Of the total population, 16.50% of the refractive errors exhibited hyperopia, 40.05% emmetropia, and 43.45% myopia. Myopia was 3 times more frequent (58.7%) in younger ages (18-35y of age) compared to older age groups (19.4% of those 56-70y of age; P<0.001). High myopia showed a low prevalence (0.21%), and an increase parallel with ageing (r=0.716; P=0.009). CONCLUSION: Myopia is the most frequent refractive error in Hungary. The prevalence of myopia is especially increased, up to 2-3 times, in the younger age groups. Nationwide actions need to be taken to reduce the onset of myopia and its associated consequences.