Refractive Error Characteristics of Early and Advanced Presbyopic Individuals

The frequency and distribution of ocular refractive errors among middle-aged and older people were obtained from a nonclinical population holding a variety of blue-collar, clerical, and technical jobs. The 422 individuals ranged in age from 35 to 69 years and were volunteers for several vision research studies conducted primarily at the FAA Civil Aeromedical Institute in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Data include frequency of various spherical (hyperopic or myopic) and astigmatic refractive errors, including differences in refractive errors in pairs of eyes. These data, together with information provided by other investigators, will allow a realistic assessment of the distribution of refractive errors and expected visual acuities in the adult population. (Author)