ANALYSIS OF RISK FACTORS FOR THE PROGRESSION OF MYOPIA IN SCHOOLCHILDREN OF A MODERN MEGAPOLIS

Abstract

Myopia can be represented as a dichotomous condition with two outcomes: the disease progresses or does not progress. Determining the risk factors for the progression of myopia allows to create a model to determine probability of progressing the disease in a given person. Thus the purpose of the study was to identify risk factors for the progression of myopia and to draw up a model to determine probability of progressing the disease. We examined 60 schoolchildren aged 7 to 16, of which 27 boys (45%) and 33 girls (55%). All examined children had myopia of various degrees. Using a questionnaire survey of the parents of the children under the study, the risk factors for the progression of myopia that are possible from their point of view were identified. The analysis also includes risk factors for the progression of myopia, relevant from the perspective of the attending ophthalmologist. Statistical data processing was carried out in several stages. First, the coefficients of binary logistic regression (a total of 9) of all factors and their significance levels were obtained. At subsequent stages of the calculation, those factors whose coefficients were regarded as statistically insignificant were removed from the model. As a result of the calculations, it turned out that only two factors statistically significantly affect the prognosis: if a child followed the daily schedule and is regularly observed by a ophthalmologist. Other factors do not affect the prognoses and therefore may not be taken into account. Using the method of binary logical regression, two main factors were identified that affect the progression of myopia in schoolchildren - following the daily regimen and observation by a permanent ophthalmologist. However, the studied group of schoolchildren in the amount of 60 people is not enough for a full fledged statistical analysis and requires further research.