Abstract
Objectives: This study aimed to investigate changes in refraction error in myopic school-age children during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: The data of 825 myopic children aged 7-18 years were retrospectively screened from the hospital data access system. The cycloplegic prescriptions of the patients in 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021 were recorded. The patients were divided into three groups according to their ages: ≤10 years (Group A), 11-14 years (Group B), and ≥15 years (Group C). The mean refraction values and annual progression values were compared between the years and age groups. Results: The mean age of the patients was 13.8 ± 3.17 years. Statistical analysis for the overall sample indicated that the annual myopia progression significantly differed between 2018 and 2021 (-0.42 ± 0.37 and -0.53 ± 0.47, respectively) (p < 0.001), and there was also a significant difference in myopia progression observed in all years in the younger age group (-0.34 ± 0.44 for 2018, -0.50 ± 0.49 for 2019, and -0.76 ± 0.59 for 2020). The highest progression (-0.76 ± 0.59) was determined in the younger age group in 2020. Linear regression analysis showed a negative correlation between myopia progression from 2020 to 2021 and age (B = 0.049 and p < 0.001). Conclusions: Myopia progression has increased in school-age children during COVID-19, with the younger age group being more affected. During the COVID-19 pandemic, myopia progression in younger children has increased statistically significantly. Thus, at times when distance learning is required, it would be appropriate to plan by taking into account the myopia progression of children.
Published Version
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