RT Journal Article
T1 Spherical Equivalent Percentile Curves in a Portuguese School-Aged Population
A1 Peñaloza Barbosa, María Ibeth
A1 Martinez Perez, Clara
A1 Andreu Vázquez, Cristina
A1 Sánchez Tena, Miguel Ángel
A1 Álvarez Peregrina, Cristina
AB Bacground/Objectives: This study aimed to develop age- and sex-specific spherical equivalent (SE) percentile curves and estimate the prevalence of refractive errors (REs) in Portuguese schoolchildren aged 6–17 years. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in three schools in Lisbon, including 2205 children (mean age = 9.3 ± 2.6 years; 49.3% boys). Vision was assessed using non-cycloplegic static retinoscopy (chosen due to feasibility in school settings) and visual acuity tests. SE percentile curves (P5–P95) were generated by age and sex. SE values and RE distribution (hyperopia, emmetropia, and myopia) were compared across four age groups (6–8, 9–11, 12–14, and 15–17 years). Results: SE values decreased significantly with age (p < 0.001). Median SE ranged from +0.50 D (6–8 years) to 0.00 D (15–17 years), with no sex differences. Hyperopia predominated in younger children (60.6% at 6–8 years), whereas myopia increased in older ages (32.2% at 15–17 years). Conclusions: This study presents the first SE percentile curves for Portuguese schoolchildren, providing a practical, age-specific reference for vision screening. The progressive shift from hyperopia to myopia highlights the importance of early detection and monitoring to prevent visual impairment.
PB MDPI
YR 2025
FD 2025-10
LK https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14352/126034
UL https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14352/126034
LA eng
NO Peñaloza-Barbosa, M.I.; Martinez-Perez, C.; Andreu-Vázquez, C.; Sánchez-Tena, M.Á.; Alvarez-Peregrina, C. Spherical Equivalent Percentile Curves in a Portuguese School-Aged Population. J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14, 7262. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14207262
DS Docta Complutense
RD 21 mar 2026