Factors related to the progression of myopia in Singaporean children.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the possible factors related to the progression of myopia in Singapore children.


METHODS
One hundred fifty-three Singapore children aged 6 to 12 years were recruited to participate in a concurrent cohort study of the risk factors for the progression of myopia. Socioeconomic status, outdoor activity, and near-work activity were documented in a face-to-face clinic interview. The changes in cycloplegic subjective refraction and autorefraction were ascertained with the use of a Nidek ARK 900 over a 2-year period.


RESULTS
The average rate of progression of myopia as measured by subjective refraction was -0.59 D per year (95% confidence interval -0.52, -0.66). Younger children and children who were more myopic at the beginning (refractive error worse than -2.0 D) of the study had higher myopia progression rates.


CONCLUSIONS
Myopia progression was faster for younger children and for children who had more severe myopia at baseline. Socioeconomic status and near-work activity were not related to myopia progression.
Saw
S M
SM
Department of Community, Occupational, and Family Medicine, National University of Singapore, Faculty of Medicine. cofsawsm@nus.edu.sg
Nieto
F J
FJ
Katz
J
J
Schein
O D
OD
Levy
B
B
Chew
S J
SJ
D002648:Child; D015331:Cohort Studies; D018450:Disease Progression; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009216:Myopia / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D015995:Prevalence; D011379:Prognosis; D012029:Refraction, Ocular; D012307:Risk Factors; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012846:Singapore / Q000453:epidemiology; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires