Correlation between refractive errors and ocular biometric parameters at Al-Mustaqbal University, Iraq

Purpose To establish the relationship between ocular biometry and refractive errors in young adult Iraqis by analyzing three critical biometric ocular parameters, including axial length (AL), corneal radius (CR), and central corneal thickness (CCT). Methods A cross-sectional analysis of individuals aged 18-33 years was conducted at Al-Mustaqbal University, Iraq, yielding 1841 participants (3682 eyes). Quantitative data on AL, CR, and CCT were obtained by an Auto Kerato-Refractometer, IOL Master and pachymetry techniques. We used Pearson correlation coefficients to measure the correlation between AL, CR, CCT, and refractive errors (myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism). Gender differences and interactions with these correlations were also examined. Results In total, Mean AL was 24.45 ± 1.10 mm; CR was 7.37 ± 0.77 mm; and CCT was 555.83 ± 50.83 µm. Myopic participants had a statistically significantly more significant mean AL of 25.11 ± 0.42 mm than the hyperopic subjects, with a mean AL of 22.71 ± 0.65mm (p < 0.001). Females had slightly longer ALs on average than males in myopic and hyperopic groups of eyes. Myopic individuals also exhibited thicker corneas (mean CCT: 565.62 ± 12.68 µm) compared to hyperopic individuals (mean CCT: 495.42 ± 18.74 µm). Indeed, AL and CCT were significantly related to refractive error, and these findings affirmed AL as a dominant predictor. Conclusions This self-gathered outcome resolved alterations AL as a chief contributing factor of refractive mistake; it links with important differentiations partly by sex. The findings of the study help fill existing gaps in the knowledge base and shape future public health interventions aimed at addressing refractive errors among young adults in Iraq.