Prevalence of refractive error in the United States, 1999-2004.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

To describe the prevalence of refractive error in the United States.

Methods

The 1999-2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) used an autorefractor to obtain refractive error data on a nationally representative sample of the US noninstitutionalized, civilian population 12 years and older. Using data from the eye with a greater absolute spherical equivalent (SphEq) value, we defined clinically important refractive error as follows: hyperopia, SphEq value of 3.0 diopters (D) or greater; myopia, SphEq value of -1.0 D or less; and astigmatism, cylinder of 1.0 D or greater in either eye.

Results

Of 14,213 participants 20 years or older who completed the NHANES, refractive error data were obtained for 12,010 (84.5%). The age-standardized pre

SUBMITTER: Vitale S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2772054 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature