Refractive Errors of Patients between 20 and 40 Years and its Correlation with Axial Length

Background: Refractive error is a common eye disorder. The result of the refractive error is a blurred vision which is sometimes so severe that it causes permanent visual disability due to amblyopia and complications such as retinal detachment in high myopia. Refractive errors cannot be avoided but identifying such errors is useful in planning appropriate correction early. Aim: To study refractive errors in patients between 20 and 40 years of age and to correlate them with the axial length of the eyeball. The study also aims to find out the common refractive errors among this age group and to compare them with previous studies. Materials and Methods: Patients between 20 and 40 years coming to the outpatient department in tertiary care hospital with complaints of defective vision were included in the study. The visual acuity and visual acuity with pinhole were assessed using Snellen’s chart. Near visual acuity was also assessed. Retinoscopy and auto refractometry was used to assess the refractive status objectively. Subjective verification of refraction was done. Axial length of eyeballs was measured using A-scan ultrasonogram. Slit lamp and fundus examination was done to rule out other eye pathology. Results: Refractive errors are more common in females. Myopia was more common than hypermetropia. Prevalence of astigmatism was high. Presbyopia affects adults >35 years. Females had slightly longer axial length than males. Axial length was longer than normal in myopes and shorter in hyperopes. Conclusion: Refractive errors are commonly present among the economically productive age group. Early detection is needed for the effective correction of such errors to prevent morbidity.