Abstract
The prevalence of myopia has been increasing worldwide. Its causes are not completely clear, although genetic and environmental factors are thought to play a role. Data were collected by the Korean Military Manpower Administration. Frequency analysis was used for comparisons of general characteristics. Pearson’s chi-square tests and logistic regression analysis were used to verify the correlations between possible risk factors and the prevalence of myopia or high myopia. The prevalence of myopia (50.6–53.0%) and high myopia (11.3–12.9%) increased each year. These tended to be the highest in patients born in spring, and decreased in the following order according to education level: 4- or 6-year university education or more, high school education or less, and 2- to 3-year college education. Moreover, the prevalence of myopia and high myopia was significantly higher in patients ≤ 60 kg and with a body mass index ≤ 18.5 kg/m2. The prevalence of high myopia was significantly higher in taller patients (≥175 cm). The prevalence of myopia and high myopia increased each year in Korean young adult men and was associated with birth season, education level, height, weight, and body mass index. Tall, lean men were more likely to have high myopia.
Highlights
Population-based studies with high response rates, sufficient population sizes, and few biases provide robust evidence for determining the aetiology of myopia
In 2009, the prevalence was higher in participants born in spring, summer, and winter than in those born in autumn (P < 0.001)
In 2011 and 2013, the prevalence was higher in participants born in spring and summer than in those born in other seasons (P < 0.001 and P < 0.01, respectively; Supplementary Table S2)
Summary
Population-based studies with high response rates, sufficient population sizes, and few biases provide robust evidence for determining the aetiology of myopia. In this study, we examined the prevalence of myopia and high myopia, and the association of environmental risk factors, such as body stature (height, weight), body mass index (BMI), education level, and birth season, using a survey of young adult Korean men who underwent physical examinations from 2009 to 2013 performed by the Korean Military Manpower Administration (MMA)
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