Social and hygienic factors of myopia progression in schoolchildren of a modern megalopolis

Abstract

The authors investigated risk factors for myopia development and progression in children attending educational institutions in a modern metropolis. The study involved 636 children aged 7 to 16 years with varying degrees of myopia and 174 children aged 7 to 16 years who do not suffer from myopia. The observation period for all children (the main and control groups) was 3 years. Along with traditional ophthalmological examinations, a survey of children and their parents was used to identify possible causes of vision loss. Special attention was paid to the role of socio -hygienic factors related to the environment of schoolchildren, their family way of life (parents ‘level of education, parents’ attitude to school and the child’s lifestyle, material well -being), availability of modern technical means (computers, video game consoles, mobile phones, etc.). Also the analysis of “external” factors (physical activity of the child, daily routine, timely access to an ophthalmologist) that influence the development and progression of myopia in schoolchildren was carried out. According to the questionnaire, it was revealed that the course of myopia in school -age children is influenced by motor activity, compliance with the daily routine, and the overall somatic status of the child. The authors recommend outpatient ophthalmologists to use a questionnaire during initial and repeated examinations of school -age children. The questionnaire enables to reliably detect risk factors contributing to myopia development and progression and, if possible, plan corrective measures. To predict the course of myopia, social and hygienic factors and comorbidities should be taken into account. In the presence of pathology of the musculoskeletal system and posture disorders, parents of schoolchildren with myopia of any degree should pay attention to the correct position of the child at the desk and to the correct distribution of load during motor activity.