Risk Factors for Developing Myopia among Schoolchildren in Yerevan and Gegharkunik Province, Armenia

Abstract

Purpose: Myopia is a complex condition leading to visual impairment and blindness. This study assessed the prevalence of and risk factors for myopia among schoolchildren in urban and rural areas of Armenia.

Methods: A cross-sectional interviewer-administered survey together with eye screenings was conducted among schoolchildren in the capital Yerevan and in Gegharkunik Province. The study used multi-stage random sampling to obtain the sample of 1260 schoolchildren. Study questionnaires were developed based on the Sydney Myopia Study questionnaire. Continuous reading was defined as the average number of hours spent reading or on near work without a break. Children underwent measurements of visual acuity using a Golovin-Sivtsev eye chart, cycloplegic retinoscopy, and dilated fundus examination.

Results: The mean age of the children was 13 years, and myopia was present in 18.1%. The prevalence of myopia was higher among Yerevan children (23.3%) than those living in Gegharkunik Province (12.5%). In the adjusted model, myopia was significantly associated with age (odds ratio, OR, 1.11, 95% confidence interval, CI, 1.04-1.18), region (OR 2.40, 95% CI 1.62-3.57), school achievement (OR 1.62, 95% CI 1.05-2.51), parental myopia (OR 2.89, 95% CI 1.79-4.69), and continuous reading (OR 1.99, 95% CI 1.31-3.02), but not near work (OR 0.97, 95% CI 0.89-1.05).

Conclusion: The study found that a positive family history of myopia and environmental factors had independent associations with myopia. The number of near work hours did not play a major role in the development of myopia, but length of time of focused continuous reading did.

Keywords: Continuous reading; myopia; parental myopia; risk factors; schoolchildren.