Symmetry in refractive error and visual acuity between right and left eye in 11.866 patients from 5 to 90 years of age

Poster Details

First Author: T.Ferrer-Blasco SPAIN

Co Author(s):    L. Belda Salmeron   C. Albarr   S. Garc   R. Mont     

Abstract Details

Purpose:

To analyze the symmetry between right and left eye regarding to refractive error and visual acuity for different age groups

Setting:

University of Valencia-Eye Clinic, Spain

Methods:

Refractive and visual acuity data from 12.000 patients were retrospectively inspected. Average values of M, J0 and J45 and visual acuity (VA) were obtained from cycloplegic refraction. Values from different age groups in 10 years intervals and between right and left eye were compared

Results:

Mean spherical equivalent refractive error changed significantly among different age groups (p<0.05, ANOVA), as well as astigmatic component J0 which showed a change from positive values (0.07±0.44) for 40 to 50 years of age and younger to negative values (0.18±0.50) for 50-60 years of age and older (p<0.001, ANOVA). This fact is associated with a change in decimal VA from 0.98±0.11 to 0.92±0.17 between the same age groups. Considering the group of 20 to 30 years of age as a reference, age groups of 51-60 years of age and older showed a continuous worsening in VA. While inter-ocular symmetry is present for astigmatic components at all ages, a slight asymmetry in spherical component seems to be the rule after fifties.

Conclusions:

The information collected in this study will help planning of future studies to the development and practical application of methods intended for vision correction at different stages of life. Slight inter-ocular asymmetry in refractive and visual values after 50 years of age could reflect the asymmetric onset and progression of certain ocular conditions as cataract or changes in corneal and internal astigmatism. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE?: No