PubMed ID: 20472747
Author(s): Low W, Dirani M, Gazzard G, Chan YH, Zhou HJ, Selvaraj P, Au Eong KG, Young TL, Mitchell P, Wong TY, Saw SM. Family history, near work, outdoor activity, and myopia in Singapore Chinese preschool children. Br J Ophthalmol. 2010 Aug;94(8):1012-6. doi: 10.1136/bjo.2009.173187. Epub 2010 May 14. PMID 20472747
Journal: The British Journal Of Ophthalmology, Volume 94, Issue 8, Aug 2010
AIMS To investigate the risk factors for myopia, including near work and outdoor activity, in Singapore Chinese preschool children.
METHODS A cross-sectional study, with disproportionate random sampling by 6-month age groups, of 3009 Singapore Chinese children aged 6-72 months was performed. Information on family history, near work and outdoor activity was obtained. Spherical equivalent refraction (SER) was assessed.
RESULTS Children with two myopic parents were more likely to be myopic (adjusted OR=1.91; 95% CI 1.38 to 2.63) and to have a more myopic SER (regression coefficient=-0.35; 95% CI -0.47 to -0.22) than children without myopic parents. For each 1 cm taller height, the SER was more myopic by 0.01 dioptres. Neither near work nor outdoor activity was associated with preschool myopia.
CONCLUSIONS A family history of myopia was the strongest factor associated with preschool myopia. In contrast, neither near work nor outdoor activity was found to be associated with early myopia. These data suggest that genetic factors may play a more substantial role in the development of early-onset myopia than key environmental factors.