Myopia in late adolescence and subsequent multiple sclerosis among men

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Neurology
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Low vitamin D levels are a potential risk factor for multiple sclerosis (MS).
• Myopia (nearsightedness) may share risk factors with MS, prompting investigation into their association.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the potential association between myopia in late adolescence and the subsequent risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS).

Main Methods:

• A Swedish cohort study utilized national registry data of 1,847,754 men born between 1950 and 1992.
• Myopia was assessed at military conscription around age 18; MS was identified via the Patient Register.
• Cox regression analysis stratified by conscription assessment period (1969-1997 and 1997-2010) was performed.

Main Results:

• No significant association was found between myopia and the risk of MS in either assessment period.
• Hazard ratios for MS were 1.09 (95% CI 0.83, 1.43) for 1997-2010 and 0.99 (95% CI 0.91, 1.09) for 1969-1997, after adjustments.

Conclusions:

• Myopia diagnosed in late adolescence does not appear to increase the risk of developing multiple sclerosis later in life.
• The findings do not support the existence of significant shared risk factors between myopia and MS.