Abstract
BackgroundIn 2010, there were ~ 36 million migrant children under 18 y old in China. This study compared patterns of myopia prevalence and progression between migrant and resident children.MethodsEight hundred forty-two migrant children from 2 migrant schools and 1081 from 2 local schools in Baoshan District, Shanghai, were randomly chosen. Baseline measurements were taken on children in grades one through four, and children in grades one and two were followed for 2 y. The children underwent comprehensive ophthalmic examinations, including cycloplegic refraction and axial length. The average time per week spent on homework and outdoor activities were investigated.ResultsMigrant children in grades one and two showed a lower myopia prevalence than resident children; however, from grades three to four, the prevalence accelerated and exceeded that of residents. In the follow-up, the myopia incidence did not significantly change from grades one to two in resident children but was significantly higher in grade two in migrant children. Correspondingly, for migrant children, increased progression of refraction and axial length was observed; however, it decreased in resident children. The average time spent on homework increased from grades two to three in parallel with the acceleration of myopia prevalence for migrant children; however, the time spent outdoors did not correspondingly change.ConclusionThe patterns of myopia prevalence and progression are different between migrant and non-migrant children. The acceleration of myopia in migrant children might be a result of a change in their environment, such as intensive education pressure.
Highlights
In 2010, there were ~ 36 million migrant children under 18 y old in China
Inclusion of students in the baseline and follow-up There were 842 students from grades one through four in the two migrant schools, and 1081 students from grades one through four in the two local schools for which baseline data were to be compiled. After excluding those without a written informed consent, those who were uncooperative with the examinations, and those who suffered from severe ocular diseases other than refractive error, 752 (89.3%) children from migrant schools and 926 (85.7%) from local schools were included
Prevalence of myopia between 752 children from the migrant schools and 926 children from local schools in the baseline In the baseline, the myopia prevalence changed from grades one through four between the migrant and resident children
Summary
In 2010, there were ~ 36 million migrant children under 18 y old in China. This study compared patterns of myopia prevalence and progression between migrant and resident children. Migrants comprise a special group of children that are usually born in rural areas, but move with their parents to live and study in urban cities, providing a natural condition by which to explore the influence of environmental changes on myopia within the same group of children. Whether their myopia prevalence and progression are as high as that of urban children or are comparatively similar to those of rural children is not clear
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