The prevalence and 6-year incidence of myopic tessellation in a Chinese rural adult population: the Handan Eye Study.

Abstract

Purpose: To describe the prevalence and the cumulative 6-year incidence of fundus tessellation in a rural Chinese adult population.

Methods: The Handan Eye Study was a population-based longitudinal study, with 6830 eligible subjects included in the baseline period, and 5394 subjects (follow-up rate: 85.3%) took part in the follow-up study. Participants had detailed eye examinations and physical examinations; a detailed questionnaire was also well administered. Fundus tessellation was defined as well-defined choroidal vessels that can be observed clearly around the fovea as well as around the arcade vessels.

Results: Among 6830 subjects who participated in the baseline study, the prevalence of fundus tessellation was 9.89% (95%CI: 9.22-10.58%). The prevalence of fundus tessellation increased with age; that of subjects aged younger than 50 years and those aged 50 years or older was 2.5% and 14.5%, respectively. Six years later, the cumulative 6-year incidence of fundus tessellation was 1.21% (95%CI: 1.03-1.40%). Similarly, the incidence of fundus tessellation also increased with age; that of participants aged younger than 50 years and those aged 50 years or older was 0.20% and 1.86%, respectively. The progression rate of fundus tessellation in those with fundus tessellation at baseline was 1.5% (95% CI: 0.82%, 2.38%). By multivariable analysis, subjects being older (OR: 1.079, P < 0.001) and havingβ-parapapillary atrophy at baseline (OR: 2.657, P = 0.002) were associated with a higher risk of incidence of fundus tessellation.

Conclusions: The prevalence and 6-year incidence of fundus tessellation were 9.89% and 1.21% in rural Chinese adults aged 30 + years, respectively. The progression rate in participants with fundus tessellation indicates the importance of regular follow-up for these patients.