Introduction: This study was done to compare refractive errors, along with probable risk factors between carpet weavers and blue-collar workers.

Methods: This was a historical cohort study, in which 188 carpet weavers (with a past history of prolonged near work) and 131 blue-collar workers (without any previous record of near work) were randomly selected. They underwent refraction (dry and cycloplegic), keratometry and biometry.

Results: Mean cycloplegic refractive error was more negative in carpet weavers and blue collar workers (p<0.05) and the prevalence of myopia in carpet weavers was higher than blue-collar workers. On the contrary, the prevalence of hyperopia in blue-collars workers was more than carpet weavers (p<0.05). The axial length of eye and corneal refractive power in carpet weavers was more than blue-collar workers.

Conclusion: According to above results, carpet weavers were more myopic and other blue-collar workers were more hyperopic. This may be the result of near work in carpet weavers.

Hakim Research Journal 2007 10(1):26- 31.