Posters

Myopia prevalence and circadian rhythms: a population-based study in Arctic Norway

Poster Details

First Author: F.Stojanovic NORWAY

Co Author(s):    G. Bertelsen                    

Abstract Details

Purpose:

To investigate the influence of stipulated light exposure during childhood and its effect on the refractive status

Setting:

The study was conducted in the city of Tromsø, Norway, latitude 69 degrees north. This geographical position is characterized by an uneven distribution of sunlight between the light summers and dark winters. These settings provide “natural laboratory” conditions to assess the association between environmental light luminance and myopia prevalence.

Methods:

The present study was carried out in 2015-2016 as part of a larger population-based study. Refractive data was gathered from 7015 participants with a mean age of 62,45 ± 0,12 years (range 40 – 85). Measurements were done without cycloplegia with the Nidek AR 560A autorefractor. All values for refractive error were converted to spherical equivalent (SE), and myopia was defined as SE less than -0.50 D. The questioner “Where did you live the greater part of your childhood» was used as a proxy for environmental light luminance during childhood and the association between luminance and myopia prevalence was calculated.

Results:

The mean refractive error was 0,05 D ± 2,33D. The overall prevalence of myopia was 28,52 %. No statistically significant difference in the prevalence of myopia was found between subpopulations defined by geographical positions of residence during childhood and adolescence (latitude range 58 to 71 degrees north).

Conclusions:

The prevalence of myopia in this population is comparable to other population-studies in Western Europe. No association was found between myopia and natural light environment during childhood. Statistical adjustment of potential confounding factors such as age-distribution and level of education is ongoing and updated results will be presented

Financial Disclosure:

None