Spectacle use and reduced unaided vision in third grade students: a comparative study in different educational...

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Pediatric Optometry
• Genetics

Background:

• Myopia development is multifactorial, influenced by genetics and environment.
• Near-work activities, such as reading, are associated with myopia onset and progression.
• This study investigates myopia prevalence across different Israeli educational settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine and compare the prevalence of reduced unaided vision and spectacle use.
• To assess myopia rates among third-grade students in secular, Orthodox, and ultra-Orthodox educational settings.
• To explore potential links between educational practices and myopia development.

Main Methods:

• A sample of 917 third-grade students (ages 7-10) from three Israeli educational streams was analyzed.
• Reduced unaided vision was used as an indicator for myopia.
• Spectacle lens measurements quantified the prevalence of myopia.

Main Results:

• Overall, 11.2% of students wore spectacles, with males showing higher rates (14.2%) than females (8%).
• Males from ultra-Orthodox schools exhibited the highest prevalence of reduced unaided vision (72.5%).
• Significantly higher rates of reduced unaided vision were observed in males from Orthodox and ultra-Orthodox schools compared to secular schools and all females.

Conclusions:

• Jewish ultra-Orthodox males demonstrate a higher prevalence and degree of myopia.
• Intensive study habits, prolonged near tasks, and accommodative demands in early childhood may contribute to myopia.
• Educational environments and associated behaviors are critical factors in pediatric myopia development.