Distribution and progression of add power among people in need of near correction.

IMPORTANCE

This study helps to better understand the need and trend in presbyopic add power in the aging society.

BACKGROUND

Distribution and progression of presbyopic add power in East Asian population is largely unknown.

DESIGN

Prospective cohort study.

PARTICIPANTS

About 303 participants from a population-based study of residents aged 35 years and older in Guangzhou, China.

METHODS

Visual acuity (VA) test and non-cycloplegic automated refraction were performed at baseline in 2008 and the 6-year follow-up per standardized protocol. Participants with presenting near VA ≤ 20/40 underwent distance subjective refraction and add power measurement by increasing plus lens at a standard distance of 40 cm at each visit.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Add power at baseline and follow-ups.

RESULTS

Mean (standard deviation) age of the study participants was 57.6 (11.1) years and 50.2% were female. The mean add power at baseline was 1.43, 1.73, 2.03 and 2.20 diopters (D) for individuals in the age groups of 35-44, 45-54, 55-64 and 65+ years, respectively. Participants with older age and lower educational level had significantly higher add power requirements (P < 0.001). The overall 6-year increase in add power was 0.15D (95% CI: 0.06 to 0.25), and was smaller in myopic subjects (P = 0.03). Baseline age and add power, but not changes in biometric factors, were associated with longitudinal change in add power (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Distribution and progression of add power in Chinese was different from that previously suggested by Caucasian studies. More studies are needed to establish up-to-date age-related add power prescription norms for population of different ethnicities.