Association Between Physical Indicators and Myopia in American Adolescents: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999-2008

Abstract

Purpose: Myopia is the most prevalent refractive error, imposing a substantial economic burden. Physical indicators constitute significant influencing factors for myopia. The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) investigates the health and nutritional status of both children and adults in the United States. This study leveraged NHANES to explore the association between physical indicators and myopia among American adolescents.

Design: Retrospective case-control study.

Methods: The final study cohort consisted of 9008 adolescents. Demographic data, physical indicators, and vision data were extracted. The association between myopia and demographic factors, as well as physical indicators, employed weighted methods. Regression models were utilized to identify the associations between physical indicators and myopia. Cumulative odds logistic regression analysis was employed to investigate the association between physical indicators and the degree of myopia. Restricted cubic spline analysis was employed to examine the potential nonlinear relationship between physical indicators and the risk of myopia.

Results: The occurrence of myopia was significantly correlated with age (P < .001) and race (P = .019). Adolescents in the fourth percentile for weight (odds ratio [OR] 1.38, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.13-1.70) and body mass index (BMI) (OR 1.26, 95% CI 1.05-1.51) exhibited an increased possibility of myopia. The highest risk of myopia was observed when the BMI approached 30. Height emerged as a risk factor for the degree of myopia (OR 1.02, 95% CI 1.01-1.03).

Conclusions: A certain association existed between physical indicators and myopia. Weight and BMI were related to the occurrence of myopia, while height and race were associated with the degree of myopia.