Research

This study aimed to estimate the global burden of uncorrected refractive error (URE) among adolescents and identify factors contributing to disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) associated with URE. Data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019 database was analyzed for DALY numbers and rates related to URE among adolescents. The study found that while global DALY numbers for URE increased by 8% from 1990 to 2019, the DALY rates slightly decreased when adjusted for population growth. Females had higher DALY rates, and there was a significant increase in DALY rates from ages 5 to 9, plateauing at ages 15 to 19. Regionally, the Eastern Mediterranean, high-income, and middle Socio-Demographic Index (SDI) regions had the highest disease burden. The study also identified associations between DALY rates and factors such as Human Development Index (HDI), SDI, primary school dropout rates, and urbanization rates. Higher urbanization rates and lower primary school dropout rates were associated with a higher disease burden of URE among adolescents. The findings suggest a need for targeted screening and prevention strategies for adolescents and underscore the influence of socioeconomic and educational factors on URE burden.