Changes in Level of Steroacuity in Patients Having Different Types of Refractive Errors

Purpose: To find out the frequency of stereoacuity in different refractive errors in patients visitingophthalmology department of The University of Lahore Teaching Hospital. Methodology: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study which recruited volunteers visiting department of ophthalmology at University of Lahore teaching hospital. After informed consent, he frequency of steroacuity level in all the participants were assessed using a proforma Steroacuity level was taken as normal (20 seconds of Arc), borderline (20-40 seconds of Arc) and reduced (above 40 seconds of Arc). The depth perception level among the patients of different types of refractive errors (Myopia, Hyperopia and Astigmatism), regardless of gender specific both male and female was examined with the age limit (15-35). SPSS 23 was employed for data analysis after the findings were recorded in proforma. Fried-man test was applied to find the statistical significance of data. P-value 0.05 was considered as significant. Results: A total of 145 people aged (15-35) years old, both genders (male, female) were included in the study. Fifty four (54) myopic participants out of 72, 34 astigmatic out of 55 and 12 hyperopic participants out of 18 had normal stereopsis. Ten (10) from 72 myopia participants, 11 from 55 astigmatism volunteers and 4 out of 18 hyperopic subjects had borderline steroacuity. Likewise, 8 out of 72 myopia patients, 10 out of 55 astigmatism patients and 2 out of 18 had a reduced Stereoacuity above 40 Arc. In overall comparison, 69.0 % were normal, 17.2% were borderline and 13.8% had reduced stereoacuity level with P value 0.0267. Conclusion: Our study shows that stereopsis was significantly reduced in those having astigmatism than those with myopia and hyperopia.