Refractive errors and visual acuity in Iraqi adolescents

Abstract

Background: One of the main causes of visual impairment in adolescence is refractive errors, which have an impact on both academic achievement and life quality. Aim: To determine the types and prevalence of refractive errors in adolescence and investigate any relationships with demographic traits. Subjects and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 3,227 eyes of adolescents aged 13–18 years. Visual acuity testing and refraction assessments were performed to identify refractive errors including astigmatism, myopia, and hypermetropia. Associations with age and sex were statistically analyzed. Results: The mean age of participants was 15.75±1.77 years, with a female predominance (61.67%). Refractive errors were highly prevalent: astigmatism was found in 65.14% of students (predominantly with-the-rule), myopia in 50.45% (mostly mild), and hypermetropia in 14.6% (mostly low severity). Myopia was more common in older students and girls, while hypermetropia was more frequent in younger students and boys. Astigmatism was slightly more common in boys. Mean spherical equivalent (SE) significantly increased with the severity of visual impairment. Conclusion: Refractive errors, particularly astigmatism and myopia, are highly prevalent among adolescents, with significant variation by age and gender. Early detection through adolescents -based vision screening and timely intervention is essential to prevent long-term visual and academic consequences.