Refractive Error in Chinese Students

Refractive Error in Chinese Primary and High School Students Before and Amidst COVID-19 in Tianjin

This cohort study aimed to assess the change of refractive status in Chinese school children.

A cohort study was conducted in 96 primary and secondary schools in 16 districts of Tianjin from 2018 to 2020, including about 36452 people totally. The changes in myopia rate in 3 years were compared by a generalized estimation equation. The distribution of average equivalent spherical mirror and different regions and grades was evaluated by linear regression analysis, and the correlation between the equivalent spherical mirror and different gender, nationality, and age was evaluated.

Inclusion Criteria:

• no concurrent eye disease
• age from 6 to 18 years old

Exclusion Criteria:

• significant systemic illnesses
• ocular conditions
• congenital corneal diseases
• pterygium, keratoconus
• corneal degeneration or dystrophy
• media opacity, uveitis, glaucoma
• history of ocular surgery
• neurologic diseases
• retinal disease.