Associations between age and types of presentation of refractive errors in children and young adults 0-30 years attending specialist referral hospital in Yemen: a cross-sectional study

Background: Refractive errors are the most common cause of visual impairment worldwide. Proportion of age group is varied among societies and they are considered as a public health challenge and common presentations in general practice in eye clinics. Understanding the associations between age and types of presentation of refractive errors in children and young adults 0-30 years, will aid early identification, diagnosis, referral and treatment. Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the associations between age and types of presentation of refractive errors in children and young adults, 0-30 years. Methodology: A cross-sectional study of 1,500 out-patients aged from 0-30 years attending ophthalmology clinic in Sanaa, Yemen (between 2012-2015) were included in the study. All patients underwent visual acuity examination, auto-refractometer, anterior and posterior segment examination, and were grouped according to age and type, i.e., myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated to evaluate the association between age and types of presentation of refractive errors. Results: Hyperopia was the most common single diagnosis (53.3%) followed by myopia (33.3%). Astigmatism was uncommon as a single diagnosis (13.4%) but commonly associated with hyperopia or myopia. Myopia was more common in males (42.9%), than females (25%). Hyperopia was more in females (62.5%) than males (42.9%). Age groups most affected by refractive errors were 13-18 years (27.7%), 19-24 years (24.8%) and 25-30 years (24.6%) respectively. Conclusions: This study highlights the close associations between age and types of presentation of refractive error. Early identification and proper categorization of refractive errors by age, gender, and other demographics by general physicians in primary care can better deduce and make useful referrals to eye specialists.