Incidence and progression of myopia in secondary school students: Follow-up for 2 years

Patchaphicha Yokkumpol; Watanee Jenchitr

Authors

Patchaphicha Yokkumpol Faculty of Optometry, Rangsit University, Patumthani 12000, Thailand
Watanee Jenchitr Faculty of Optometry, Rangsit University, Patumthani 12000, Thailand

Keywords:

incidence, myopia, Patumthani, progression, Rangsit University, secondary school student

Abstract

Myopia in school-age children is increasing both in number and severity. No previous study in Thailand had demonstrated the incidence and number of myopic progression. The objective of this study is to investigate the incidence and progression of myopia in secondary school students in Patumthani after following up for two years. By using a prospective longitudinal study, a total of 363 (82% coverage) secondary school students aged 12-14 years were included in the study. The students had a complete eye examination and refraction, which were re-examined every year for two years, starting from September 2015 to March 2017. Myopia was measured by auto and manifest refraction, except in some cases that were using cycloplegic refraction. Age, sex, and progression of myopia were analyzed. Within 19 months, the cumulative incidence of myopia, defined as a spherical equivalent of -0.50 diopters or less, was increasing from 24.52 to 31.36%, with an increment of -0.375 ± 0.247 diopters per year. Myopia in secondary school students was not associated with sex (p=0.717) or age in the same year (p=0.791). Increasing myopia was indifferent between females and males (p=0.837). The right power of their eyeglasses was also indifferent (p=0.857). In conclusion, refractive error in school-aged students exhibits a high prevalence and myopia progress as the students grow up. Screening of refractive error in the students is essential because it improves education, quality of life, and socioeconomic status of Thailand.

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