Establishing and Validating Refractive Error Reference Values for Myopia Prediction Among Children Aged 6-12 Years - Jiangsu Province, China, 2018-2023.

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS TOPIC?: Previously, it has been proved that a simplified model that uses refraction error value provides a robust and efficient means of predicting myopia for non-myopic students. Intervention targeting non-myopic children with alert refraction errors (or insufficient hyperopia reserve) holds significant importance in reducing the incidence rate of myopia.

WHAT IS ADDED BY THIS REPORT?: This study, comprising two phases (surveillance and cohort studies), was aiming to pinpoint the precise refractive error value for the onset of myopia prediction among non-myopic children in Jiangsu Province.

WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PUBLIC HEALTH PRACTICE?: First, when conducting myopia screenings using pupil dilation for non-myopic populations: the cycloplegic 50th percentile refractive error emerges as a more precise predictive indicator. Second, when conducting myopia screenings without pupil dilation: this study advocates for the incorporation of axial length (AL) and corneal curvature (CC) values as supplementary indicators in screenings.