PURPOSE: Refractive errors (REs) are common and continue to increase globally, particularly myopia. Uncorrected REs are the second leading cause of preventable blindness and the most common cause of visual impairment. The main objective of this study is to assess the prevalence of REs and to investigate its associated risk factors among medical students of the Jazan region, Saudi Arabia. METHODS: An observational analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among a random sample of 447 medical students at Jazan University. Eye examination was conducted using an autorefractor test (Huvitz HRK-8000A Autorefractor Keratometer) to measure spherical refraction (emmetropia, myopia, and hyperopia) and cylindrical refraction (astigmatism). Factors associated with myopia and hyperopia were evaluated using logistic regression models. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of REs was 48.8% (95% confidence interval [CI] [44.2, 53.4]). The prevalence of REs among female medical students was 55.1% (95% CI [48.6, 61.5]), which was significantly higher than that among males (42.3%, 95% CI [36.0, 48.9]), with a P = 0.007. Of the 447 medical students examined, approximately one-third (33.8%) had myopia, 10.5% had astigmatism, and only 10.5% had hyperopia. The results of logistic regression indicated that females were 52% more myopic than males (odds ratios [OR] = 1.52, 95% CI [1.04, 2.22]), while participants with both parents having a history of REs were twofold more myopic than students with no family history of REs (OR = 2.01, 95% CI [1.2, 3.4]). A history of blurred vision also increases the risk of myopia by seven times (OR = 7.2, 95% CI [6.4, 11.3]). CONCLUSION: RE among medical students is a problem. Thus, it needs to be assessed carefully before students choose a specialty that may need very good near and far vision for postgraduate study.

Purpose: Oral isotretinoin is a derivative of vitamin A, used to treat acne vulgaris. One of its effects is altering the corneal surface and ocular glands, resulting in eye dryness and various other symptoms. This study aimed to analyze the impact of systemic isotretinoin treatment on ocular health and investigate the potential risk factors contributing to ocular pathology. Patients and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 489 participants in the Jazan region using a convenience sampling method. An online questionnaire composed of five sections, including the Arabic version of the validated Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), was used to assess the presence of ocular symptoms associated with isotretinoin usage as well as the potential contributing risk factors. Results: A significant association was established between oral isotretinoin use and specific eye symptoms, including a gritty feeling in the eye (66.4%), sore eyes (68.6%), blurry vision (75.9%), and the need for moisturizing drops (35%). OSDI severity varied according to isotretinoin usage status, with severe OSDI grades reported in 56.9% of current users, 51.2% of those who stopped < 2 months ago, and 38.8% of those who stopped ≥ 2 months ago. Furthermore, significant risk factors associated with worse OSDI grades included contact lens use and isotretinoin dose, with contact lens use being associated with a 17.5-point increase in OSDI scores, while each 10 mg increase in isotretinoin dose was linked to a 0.20-point rise in OSDI score. Conclusion: This study emphasizes the importance of assessing individual risk factors before starting isotretinoin therapy and monitoring ocular health in patients undergoing therapy. Clinicians should be aware of preventive methods and should consider high-risk patients to an ophthalmologist for interventions, such as punctal plugs, that can reduce complications. Further research targeting specific populations with shared risk factors is needed to validate these findings.

Cataracts are a leading cause of visual impairment globally and significantly affect quality of life. In the Jazan region of Saudi Arabia, an area characterized by unique environmental and socioeconomic factors, the awareness of the cataract and its associated risk factors remain poorly understood. Therefore, assessing the knowledge about this problem in our region is the initial step to mitigate the impact of cataracts in the region. This descriptive cross-sectional study evaluated the prevalence of cataracts and the associated risk factors among adults in the Jazan region of Saudi Arabia. The study employed an online questionnaire divided into the sociodemographic characteristics and cataract knowledge sections. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences for descriptive statistics. The study included 701 participants, predominantly young males (64.2%, aged 18–30 years). The participant profile included students (35.7%) and teachers (16.4%), and the majority held university degrees (69.2%). The preferred sources of information were TV and social media (23.8%), the Internet (23.3%), and academic studies (10.9%). Regarding cataract awareness, 57.6% correctly identified cataracts, 64.9% recognized blurred vision as a symptom, and 68.8% were aware of surgical treatment. Notable associations were found with sex (84.1% of females with higher education, P = .039), age (90.4% of those with >50 years of education, P = .002), and occupation (93.2% of students, P < .001). Overall, there were significant associations between the knowledge level and age (67.3%, P < .001) and occupation (77.6%, P < .001). This study revealed a moderate level of awareness of cataracts in Jazan, with significant variations based on sex, age, and occupation. These findings highlight the need for targeted educational interventions, particularly among certain demographic groups, to enhance understanding and management of cataracts in the region.