Invited Review: Tools to quantify environmental and behavioral risk factors for myopia.

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology and Vision Science
• Public Health
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Global myopia prevalence is rising, necessitating better identification and modification of risk factors.
• Risk factors include genetics, demographics, ocular metrics, and environmental/behavioral influences.
• Environmental and behavioral factors like near work and outdoor time are key modifiable contributors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive overview of tools for quantifying myopia risk factors.
• To critically evaluate subjective and objective measurement methods.
• To guide researchers, clinicians, and public health professionals in myopia control.

Main Methods:

• Review of traditional subjective methods (questionnaires, diaries).
• Exploration of emerging objective methods using wearable technology (light sensors, rangefinders).
• Evaluation of tool capabilities, limitations, and future directions.

Main Results:

• Subjective methods offer practical advantages but suffer from recall bias and low temporal resolution.
• Objective methods, particularly wearables, show promise for precise, real-time data collection.
• Standardization and technological advancements are key to improving measurement accuracy.

Conclusions:

• Enhanced quantification of myopia risk factors is essential for early detection and personalized interventions.
• Wearable technology offers significant potential for objective and precise risk factor assessment.
• Improved measurement tools will support evidence-based guidelines for myopia control.