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Familial clustering and myopia progression in Singapore school children
1Department of Community, Occupational and Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore. cofsawsm@nus.edu.sg
Insights
A family history of myopia in children is linked to faster progression and higher refractive error. This study highlights the significant role of hereditary factors in childhood myopia development.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Genetics
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Familial factors are potential contributors to myopia progression in children.
- A cohort study investigated the link between family history and myopia progression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the relationship between familial factors and the progression of myopia in children.
- To assess the influence of parental myopia history on refractive error changes.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 153 Singaporean children (aged 6-12) was followed for an average of 28 months.
- Data collected included family history of myopia, housing type, parental education/income.
- Cycloplegic refractive error was measured every six months.
Main Results:
- Children with a parental history of myopia showed a faster progression rate (-0.63 D/year) compared to those without (-0.42 D/year).
- Family history of myopia was associated with refractive error at the final visit.
- No association was found between close work and myopia progression.
Conclusions:
- A positive family history of myopia is significantly related to myopia progression and final refractive error in Singaporean children.
- These findings support the important role of hereditary factors in myopia development.
- Further research into genetic predispositions for myopia is warranted.
Background:
Familial factors may be related to the progression of myopia in children. A cohort study was conducted to determine the relationship between familial factors and myopia progression in children.
Methods:
From a larger clinical trial (n = 311), 153 Singapore children aged 6--12 years were recruited to participate in a cohort study of the risk factors for myopia progression. An in-person interview was conducted whereby information on the history of myopia in first-degree relatives was obtained. Other information collected included housing type, parental education and income. Cycloplegic refractive error as measured by subjective refraction and autorefraction were ascertained every six months. The average length of follow-up was 28 months.
Results:
The adjusted mean rate of progression of myopia was -0.60 (95% confidence interval -0.66, -0.55) diopters per year. The average rate of progression of myopia for children with a parental history of myopia was -0.63 (95% confidence interval -0.69, -0.56) diopters per year compared to -0.42 (95% confidence interval -0.57, -0.27) diopters per year for children whose parents were not myopic. The different measures of family history of myopia were related to rate of change in refractive error and refractive error in the final visit. There was no association between close work and myopia progression.
Conclusions:
A positive family history is related to the progression of myopia and final refractive error in Singapore children, thus supporting evidence that hereditary factors may play an important role in myopia progression.