Risk Factors for Myopia in Pediatric Age Group Presenting at Tertiary Care Hospital

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the risk factors associated with myopia in the pediatric age group presenting to a tertiary care hospital.

Study Design: A descriptive cross-sectional study
Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the Ophthalmology unit, Hayatabad Medical Complex, from January 2025 to June 2025.

Methods: Non-probability consecutive sampling was used to include 1534 children aged 5-16 years with a diagnosis of myopia. Myopia was considered to be a sphere equivalent of 0.50 diopters and below in either eye. A structured proforma was used to gather data on demographic characteristics, family history, near work, screen time and outdoor activity. Visual acuity, cycloplegic refraction, subjective refraction, and fundus examination were conducted on all subjects. The analysis of data was conducted with SPSS 26.

Results: The mean age was 11.2 ± 3.1 years. Positive family history of myopia was present in 612 (39.9%) children, near work >2 hours/day in 1018 (66.4%), screen time >2 hours/day in 874 (57.0%), and outdoor activity >2 hours/day in 412 (26.9%). Myopia severity was greatly linked to family history, prolonged near work and more screen time whereas outdoor activity was considered to have a protective link.

Conclusion: Family history, a longer duration of near work, more screen time, and less outdoor activity were found to have a significant association with pediatric myopia. Early screening, parental education, near work and screen time regulation, decreased screen time and encouragement of outdoor activities can be used to alleviate the burden of myopia among children.