Five-year change in refractive error and its risk factors: results from the Gutenberg Health Study.

Background/AimsTo examine the 5-year change in refractive error in phakic eyes and its risk factors in the general population.MethodsThe Gutenberg Health Study (GHS) is a population-based cohort study including 15 010 participants from Germany aged 35–74 years at baseline examination (2007–2012). After 5 years, a follow-up examination was carried out (83% participation). 5-year change of spherical equivalent (SE) was computed as difference between follow-up and baseline objective refraction. Linear and logistic regression analysis were conducted analysing potential risk factors. Only phakic eyes at follow-up examination were included.ResultsRight eyes of 10 175 subjects were included. An ag…