Anthropometry, Amplitude of Accommodation, and Spherical Equivalent Refractive Error in a Nigerian Population

Aim. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between anthropometry, amplitude of accommodation assessed by minus-lens to blur (AA(PUB)) and push-up to blur (AA(MLB)), and spherical equivalent refraction (SEQ). Method. A total of two hundred and one subjects aged between 17 and 70 years with mean age of 34.2 ± 13.3 years, consisting of 93 males and 108 females were recruited for this study. Anthropometric variables were measured with standard instruments like the free-standing rod for height, weighing balance for body weight, and body mass index (BMI) calculated. The refractive error was measured by static retinoscopy and subjective refraction. Result. An inverse correlation was found between age, AA(MLB) and AA(PUB) (r = −0.84, −0.81, both P < 0.0001). BMI increased with age (r = 0.32, P < 0.0001). There was an inverse correlation between BMI, AA(PUB) and AA(MLB) (r = −0.27, −0.25, both P < 0.0001), respectively. However, the association between SEQ and anthropometry was not significant (P > 0.05). The AA(PUB) and AA(MLB) decreased with age while BMI increased. AA(PUB) and AA(MLB) decreased with BMI, but were not affected by the SEQ. Conclusion. BMI increased with age while AA measured by the two methods decreased with age, and BMI increased with decreasing AA.