Abstract
AbstractThere have been significant increases in the prevalence of childhood myopia in the past three decades. An earlier onset of myopia may predispose children to high myopia and potential blinding conditions in adulthood, such as myopic macular degeneration. A young child with a low hypermetropic refraction has a greater likelihood of developing myopia, thereby increasing the risk of blindness. Thus, it is important to understand risks factors for myopia to develop appropriate prevention plans, screening programs and treatment strategies to control myopia progression. Both genetic and environmental factors have been implicated in the development of myopia and its progression. Basic birth parameters, such as ethnicity, parental myopia, and gender have been identified as risk factors for myopia and myopia progression. Although, there is mix evidence on gender predilection and myopia. In populations of European ancestry, genetic variation accounts for about 12% of the variance in mean spherical equivalent (SE). Furthermore, the increases in myopia prevalence in the last years do not seem to be primarily due to genetic variation, but rather environmental changes. Strong evidence on the association between environmental factors and myopia has been provided by mendelian randomization studies, randomized clinical trials and meta‐analysis. Major environmental factors, include level of education and time spent outdoors. Other environmental factors include near work, screen time and urbanization. However, evidence on the associations between near work, screen time and myopia have been mixed. Modifiable environmental risk factors provide an important basis for the design of preventive interventions. Further research on the interactions between genetic and environmental factors is necessary to better understand the pathophysiology mechanisms of myopia.
Published Version
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