Prevalence of Astigmatism among Students in Northern Greece

Abstract

Purpose

To assess the prevalence of astigmatism in a sample of 1738 students (15–18 years old) from Northern Greece.

Methods

Collection of the sample was based on a questionnaire method. Statistical analysis included estimation of the prevalence of astigmatism and the distribution of students according to their cylindrical values. We also checked whether heredity or sex affected the occurrence of astigmatism.

Results

The prevalence of astigmatism was 10.2%. It was mostly at low levels, up to 2 D cyl. Females ran a significantly higher risk of astigmatism than males, and heredity seemed to be an important predisposing factor for this refractive error.

Conclusions

There is considerable variability in the prevalence of astigmatism worldwide, as indicated by different studies. However, this refractive error prevails at low levels in the Greek student population, compared with other countries.