Myopia in schoolchildren in a rural community in the State of Mexico, Mexico

Abstract

Purpose

This study sought to determine the prevalence of myopia in schoolchildren of a rural population in Mexico.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted in 317 children between 6 and 12 years old. A complete refractive examination was performed, including static retinoscopy without cycloplegic agents. All procedures were conducted according to the Declaration of Helsinki.

Results

In total, 9.7% (95% CI: 13.07–6.52) of the examined children were myopic (spherical equivalent ≤ −0.50 D), 4.4% (95% CI: 6.66–2.14) presented astigmatism (cylinder ≤ −1.50 D), and 5.4% (95% CI: 7.89–2.91) presented hyperopia (spherical equivalent ≥ +0.50 D).

Conclusion

Additional research is required to assess the prevalence of refractive errors in rural areas in Mexico, to analyze the associated risk factors, and to implement appropriate eye care plans for this population.

Keywords:

• myopia
• refractive errors
• hyperopia
• astigmatism

Acknowledgments

The authors thank Instituto Poltecnico Nacionacial by project support SIP: 20144402.

Author contributions

All authors contributed toward data analysis, drafting and critically revising the paper and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work.

Disclosure

The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.