SEARCHCROSS-SECTIONALophthalmology, pediatric ophthalmology

cross-sectional·ophthalmology, pediatric ophthalmology, public health, epidemiology·PMC10381484

Analysis of Refractive Errors in a Large Italian Cohort of Pediatric Subjects Post the COVID-19 Pandemic

Life · 5 authors, 1 centre

AI SUMMARY

FIDELITY 100%

POPULATION494 Italian children (271 males, 223 females; mean age 7.82 ± 1.23 years, range 6–11) from a suburban school in Naples, Italy

INTERVENTIONScreening program including non-cycloplegic autorefractometry, visual acuity testing, and a questionnaire on habits and screen exposure

COMPARISONPre-pandemic prevalence data from literature (e.g., 11.7% myopia, 4.6% hyperopia) and pre-pandemic spherical equivalent values

This summary was generated by AI from a single paper. It has not been reviewed by a clinician and is not clinical advice. Verify against the source before acting on it.

AGENT 01 · STRUCTURED SUMMARY

TRACE TO SOURCE

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TL;DR

This cross-sectional study of 494 Italian children (aged 6–11) found that 25.1% of eyes had refractive errors post-COVID-19, with 14.6% myopia/myopic astigmatism and 10.5% hyperopia/hyperopic astigmatism, higher than pre-pandemic estimates. The majority (87.9%) had continuous online classes, and 87.6% reported increased daily screen exposure, suggesting pandemic restrictions contributed to the rise. These findings highlight the need for regular pediatric eye exams and public health measures to reduce screen time and promote outdoor activity.

Full summary

2,177 CHARS

**Background:** The COVID-19 pandemic led to widespread school closures and a shift to online learning, increasing sedentary behavior and screen time among children. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of refractive errors in a large Italian pediatric cohort post-pandemic, given concerns about rising myopia globally. **Methods:** This retrospective cross-sectional study included 988 eyes of 494 children (mean age 7.82 ± 1.23 years, range 6–11) from a suburban school in Naples, Italy, screened in September 2022. Examinations included non-cycloplegic autorefractometry (Canon RK-F1), uncorrected visual acuity (UVA) and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) using a Snellen chart, and a questionnaire on demographics, prior eyecare, screen use, and lifestyle. Statistical analysis used Mann-Whitney U test (p < 0.05). **Key Results:** Mean UVA was 0.87 ± 0.25 decimals (RE) and 0.86 ± 0.25 decimals (LE); mean BCVA was 0.99 ± 0.05 decimals (RE) and 1.00 ± 0.00 decimals (LE). Refractive errors were present in 25.1% of eyes: 14.6% myopia/myopic astigmatism, 10.5% hyperopia/hyperopic astigmatism. Mean spherical equivalent was −0.06 ± 1.44 diopters. Only 15% had an eye exam within the last year; 25% had never had one. 79% wore glasses before 2019, 21% needed glasses, and 7% required a prescription change post-pandemic. 87.9% had continuous online classes, 70.2% spent >8 h/day sedentary, and 87.6% reported increased screen time (51% used laptops; 10.4% >6 h/day, 43.6% 5–6 h/day, 26.6% 2–4 h/day, 19.4% <2 h/day). 50.8% watched screens in low light. Gender differences in UVA were significant (RE: p = 0.032; LE: p = 0.015). **Clinical Implications:** The prevalence of myopia (14.6%) and hyperopia (10.5%) exceeded pre-pandemic estimates (11.7% and 4.6%, respectively), and the mean spherical equivalent (−0.06 D) was reduced compared to pre-pandemic values (e.g., 0.35 D in 2019). The high screen time and low outdoor activity likely contributed. The study underscores the need for regular pediatric eye exams, public health campaigns to reduce screen time and promote outdoor activity, and improved access to eyecare to prevent long-term visual impairment.

PICO

PPOPULATION

494 Italian children (271 males, 223 females; mean age 7.82 ± 1.23 years, range 6–11) from a suburban school in Naples, Italy

IINTERVENTION

Screening program including non-cycloplegic autorefractometry, visual acuity testing, and a questionnaire on habits and screen exposure

OOUTCOME

Prevalence of refractive errors (myopia/myopic astigmatism, hyperopia/hyperopic astigmatism), mean spherical equivalent (−0.06 ± 1.44 diopters), and associations with screen time and lifestyle factors

STUDY TYPE

cross-sectional

SPECIALTY

ophthalmology

SUMMARISED BY

AI pipeline

FIDELITY CHECK

100% · A

ORIGINAL PAPER

PMC10381484

Analysis of Refractive Errors in a Large Italian Cohort of Pediatric Subjects Post the COVID-19 Pandemic

Life

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ABSTRACT

Abstract Background: The prevalence of refractive errors has sharply risen over recent decades. Despite the established role of genetics in the onset and progression of such conditions, the environment was also shown to play a pivotal role. Indeed, the COVID-19 pandemic has majorly impacted people’s lifestyles and healthy habits, especially among the youth, which might have led to a significant increase in this trend. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the actual prevalence of refractive errors in a large cohort of pediatric patients. Methods: A large cohort of 496 participants was screened through anamnesis, a non-cycloplegic autorefractometry, a corrected and uncorrected visual acuity assessment, and a questionnaire and was retrospectively evaluated. Results: Overall, refractive errors were present in 25.1% of eyes, of which 14.6% were diagnosed with myopia/myopic astigmatism and 10.5% with hyperopia/hyperopic astigmatism. Among the patients enrolled, 298 (60%) had their eyes checked one year earlier or before and 122 (25%) had never had ophthalmological consultations; a total of 105 (21%) needed glasses and 34 (7%) required a change in their previous prescription. A substantial increase in daily electronic device screen exposure was declared by 426 patients (87.6%). Conclusions: Pediatric patients appear to have a higher prevalence of refractive errors than before. Keywords: astigmatism, children, COVID-19, eyecare, hypermetropia, myopia, pandemic, prevalence, refractive errors

CITATION EXPORT

Michele Lanza, Adriano Ruggiero, Matteo Ruggiero et al.. Analysis of Refractive Errors in a Large Italian Cohort of Pediatric Subjects Post the COVID-19 Pandemic. Life. (2023). https://doi.org/10.3390/life13071569

AUTHORS

5 · 1 CENTRES

Michele Lanza, Adriano Ruggiero, Matteo Ruggiero, Clemente Maria Iodice, Francesca Simonelli

1Multidisciplinary Department of Medical Surgical and Dental Specialties, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 80138 Naples, Italy