Prevalence of refractive error in Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

ABSTRACT: This study aimed to compare the prevalence of (1) presenting vision loss from refractive error, (2) subtypes of refractive error and (3) rates of spectacle coverage and use between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians in urban and rural locations. Joanna Briggs Institute guidance for systematic reviews of prevalence studies was followed. Medline, Embase, Web of Science and relevant grey literature were searched. All studies reporting refractive error prevalence in Australian populations were included. Pooled prevalence estimates were derived using meta-analyses with a random-effects model. 17 studies were included (22 450 adults and 13 493 children). Pooled prevalence of bilateral distance vision loss from refractive error was 7.5% (95% CI, 4.6% to 11.1%) and 4.5% (95% CI, 2.7% to 6.8

SUBMITTER: Nejatian M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12382565 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature