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Parental myopia, near work, school achievement, and children's refractive error
Donald O Mutti1, G Lynn Mitchell, Melvin L Moeschberger
1Ohio State University College of Optometry, Columbus 43210, USA. mutti.2@osu.edu
Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science
|November 28, 2002
Summary
Genetics is the primary driver of juvenile myopia. Increased near work, higher academic achievement, and less sports participation also independently contribute to myopia development in children.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Genetics
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Juvenile myopia is a growing public health concern.
- Understanding its etiological factors is crucial for prevention and management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the association between juvenile myopia and parental myopia, near work, and academic performance.
Main Methods:
- Assessed refractive error, parental myopia, near work (studying, reading, screen time), sports, and academic achievement (ITBS scores) in 366 eighth graders.
- Utilized chi-squared and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests, and multivariate logistic regression.
Main Results:
- Children with myopia had more myopic parents, spent more time on near work, less time on sports, and had higher reading/language scores.
- Parental myopia, near work, sports, and academic achievement showed independent associations with myopia.
- The odds of myopia increased significantly with parental myopia and near work hours.
Conclusions:
- Heredity is the strongest factor in juvenile myopia.
- Near work, academic achievement, and reduced sports time are independent risk factors.
- No evidence suggests children inherit a myopigenic environment or increased susceptibility to near work from parents.