Correlation Between Visual Quality and Optical Correction Among Undergraduate Students in Central Taiwan

Purpose: The aim of this study is to investigate visual quality in young adults (college students) and its correlation with current optical correction, to understand the factors that affect visual performance and accuracy of corrective lenses. Methods: There were 191 undergraduate students enrolled (93 males and 98 females). All subjects demonstrated visual acuity greater than 20/20 with/without correction. Questionnaire was administered and refraction-related measurements (e.g., spectacle power, visual acuity with current correction, and subjective refraction) were taken. SPSS 17.0 software was used for descriptive statistics, in addition to Pearson correlation and Spearman's rank correlation. Results: Over-correction and under-correction were common among undergraduate students (24.6 %), making it impossible for them to achieve normal visual quality. Among the study subjects, 37.2% had Snellen visual acuity of less than 20/20. Significant correlations were found not only between comfort (r=0.16, p=0.028) and visual acuity but also between self-reported clarity of vision (r=0.15; p=0.041) and visual acuity with corrective lenses, suggesting that accuracy of spectacle prescription greatly impacts visual quality. Conclusion: Whether proper optical correction can be achieved depends on the precision of refraction examination. Improving the accuracy of corrective lens prescriptions and the overall quality of the optometry industry should be emphasized to raise visual quality, achieve higher customer satisfaction, and improve overall vision care services in Taiwan.