Myopia and Near Work: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Public Health
• Occupational Health

Background:

• Myopia is a widespread public health concern impacting quality of life and productivity.
• Limited data exists on the specific effects of near work on myopia development and progression.
• A comprehensive meta-analysis incorporating adult occupational exposure and a lifelong perspective was necessary.

Approach:

• A systematic search of major databases (PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, Science Direct) was conducted for studies on myopia prevalence in near work.
• Meta-analysis utilized a random-effects model to assess myopia prevalence, annual progression, and odds ratios associated with near work.
• Subgroup analyses and meta-regressions examined factors like age, geographic region, and characteristics of near work.

Key Points:

• The global prevalence of myopia associated with near work was 35% across 78 studies and 254,037 participants (ages 6-39).
• Adults exhibited a higher myopia prevalence (46%) and progression rate (-0.25 D/year) compared to children (31% prevalence, -0.44 D/year progression).
• Individuals exposed to near work had a 26% increased odds of myopia, with higher risks observed in children (31%) than adults (21%).

Conclusions:

• Near work, including occupational demands, is strongly associated with increased myopia prevalence and progression.
• Adults are particularly susceptible, with higher myopia rates compared to children.
• Targeted myopia prevention strategies should be implemented in occupational settings to address this growing public health issue.