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Factors related to the progression of myopia in Singaporean children
1Department of Community, Occupational, and Family Medicine, National University of Singapore, Faculty of Medicine. cofsawsm@nus.edu.sg
Insights
Younger children and those with existing myopia experienced faster myopia progression. Factors like socioeconomic status and near-work activity did not significantly influence progression rates in Singaporean children.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatric Ophthalmology
- Public Health
Background:
- Myopia, or nearsightedness, is a growing global health concern, particularly in children.
- Understanding progression factors is crucial for developing effective interventions and management strategies.
- Early detection and intervention can mitigate long-term visual impairment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate key factors influencing myopia progression in children residing in Singapore.
- To identify specific demographic and behavioral characteristics associated with accelerated myopia development.
- To inform public health initiatives aimed at myopia control in pediatric populations.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 153 Singaporean children (aged 6-12 years) was prospectively studied over two years.
- Data on socioeconomic status, outdoor activity, and near-work habits were collected via interviews.
- Myopia progression was measured using cycloplegic subjective refraction and autorefraction (Nidek ARK 900).
Main Results:
- The average myopia progression rate was -0.59 D per year.
- Children who were younger at the study's onset exhibited faster progression rates.
- Higher initial myopia severity (worse than -2.0 D) was correlated with increased progression.
Conclusions:
- Myopia progression is significantly faster in younger children and those with more severe baseline myopia.
- Socioeconomic status and near-work activity were not found to be significant predictors of myopia progression in this cohort.
- These findings highlight age and baseline refractive error as critical factors in pediatric myopia progression.
Purpose:
To examine the possible factors related to the progression of myopia in Singapore children.
Methods:
One hundred fifty-three Singapore children aged 6 to 12 years were recruited to participate in a concurrent cohort study of the risk factors for the progression of myopia. Socioeconomic status, outdoor activity, and near-work activity were documented in a face-to-face clinic interview. The changes in cycloplegic subjective refraction and autorefraction were ascertained with the use of a Nidek ARK 900 over a 2-year period.
Results:
The average rate of progression of myopia as measured by subjective refraction was -0.59 D per year (95% confidence interval -0.52, -0.66). Younger children and children who were more myopic at the beginning (refractive error worse than -2.0 D) of the study had higher myopia progression rates.
Conclusions:
Myopia progression was faster for younger children and for children who had more severe myopia at baseline. Socioeconomic status and near-work activity were not related to myopia progression.