Adult Progression and Incidence of Refractive Errors in Students of a Medical College in India

Abstract Purpose: We aimed to study the adult progression and incidence of refractive errors in students of a medical college in India and to document risk factors for myopia in them. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective prospective study involving 205 medical students. Retrospective data of the students’ visual acuity and refraction status at the time of admission were retrieved from available records and compared with refractive status at the time of the study. Risk factors such number of hours of near activity per day, number of hours of outdoor activity per week, rural/ urban background and parental history of refractive errors were recorded using a questionnaire. Refractive error was recorded as the final acceptance rather than objective refraction alone. Both spherical and cylindrical (astigmatism) components were noted separately for comparison. Maximal refractive error in any meridian was noted as the sum of spherical and cylindrical components. According to change in maximal refractive error (current minus previous), the refractive status was further classified as to have progressed/regressed/remained stable. Results: At 3 years in medical college, the prevalence of myopia was 46.3% (40% at admission), incidence of fresh onset refractive errors in previously emmetropes: 20.9% (myopia 13.9%), mean maximum refractive error overall: −0.93 D, mean maximum refractive error in myopes: −1.97 D, mean change in maximum refractive error overall: −0.17 D (statistically significant), and mean change in maximum refractive error in previous myopes: −0.25 D (statistically and clinically significant). The prevalence of myopia in students with urban background was 51% (44% at admission). The prevalence of myopia in students with one or both parents being myope was 65% (56.7% at admission). No correlation was noted with hours spent in reading/outdoor activities and using electronic devices. Conclusion: Statistically and clinically significant adult progression of myopia and new-onset myopia was noted in medical students. Urban background and parental history of myopia predispose to myopia onset and progress.