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Prevalence and Risk Factors of Myopia in Spain
Cristina C Alvarez-Peregrina1, Miguel Angel M A Sanchez-Tena1, Clara C Martinez-Perez1
1Faculty of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, Madrid 20822, Spain.
Insights
Childhood myopia is rising in Spain, with prevalence increasing from 17% to 20% between 2016 and 2017. Increased near work and screen time, alongside limited outdoor activity, are identified as key risk factors for myopia progression.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatric Optometry
- Public Health
Background:
- Myopia, or nearsightedness, is a growing global health concern, particularly in children.
- Understanding the prevalence and risk factors for myopia is crucial for developing effective interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of myopia in a large sample of Spanish children.
- To identify lifestyle and environmental factors contributing to myopia progression.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 6,152 children aged 5-7 years underwent comprehensive eye examinations.
- Data collected included visual acuity, refraction, accommodative and binocular function assessments.
- Lifestyle, family history, and geographical data were gathered via questionnaires; data analyzed using SPSS.
Main Results:
- Myopia prevalence increased from 17% in 2016 to 20% in 2017.
- High myopia prevalence rose from 1.7% to 3.6% in the same period.
- Over 43% of children engaged in >3 hours of near work daily, with nearly half using electronic devices for >50% of that time; only 9.7% spent >2.5 hours outdoors daily.
Conclusions:
- Myopia prevalence is on the rise among children in Spain.
- Lifestyle factors, including extensive near work and reduced outdoor time, are significantly associated with increased myopia risk.
Objective:
To analyse the prevalence of myopia among a sample of more than 6000 children in Spain as well as to determine the impact of risk factors in its progression.
Methodology:
A total of 6,152 children aged from 5 to 7 were examined. The participants underwent an eye examination that included visual acuity, refraction without cycloplegia, and tests of accommodative and binocular function. In addition, a questionnaire regarding their lifestyle, family history, and geographical data was carried out. Finally, data were analysed using the SPSS version 25 program.
Results:
The prevalence of myopia in the sample of children studied has increased from 17% in 2016 to 20% in 2017. Likewise, the number of children with high myopia has also increased, from 1.7% in 2016 to 3.6% in 2017. 43.3% of the participants spent more than 3 hours a day doing near activities, and 48.9% of this group spent more than 50% of this time using electronic devices. In addition, only 9.7% spent more than 2.5 hours outdoors each day.
Conclusion:
Myopia prevalence appears to be increasing in Spain. Lifestyle factors appear to be increasing the risk of myopia.
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