Abstract
Purpose: :
We aimed to identify the prevalence and risk factors of myopia among elementary-schoolchildren in Chimi, an isolated island and rural setting of Southern Taiwan.
Methods: :
In this population-based cross-sectional study, schoolchildren aged 6-12 years old were recruited from all schools located in Chimi. Data were collected by questionnaire, ocular examination, axial length and cycloplegic autorefraction.
Results: :
Of the 193 children living in Chimi, 150 children (77.7%) were examined. The prevalence of myopia (spherical equivalent, SE ≤ -0.75 D) was 31%. In univariate and multivariate analysis, myopia was significantly associated with age, parent with myopia, and watching television. Outdoor activity was significant inversely associated with myopia.
Conclusions: :
Even in rural area of Taiwan, myopia prevalence is high. Parent history, age and watching television are risk factors for myopia. Outdoor activity is protective factor against myopia in Chimi.
Keywords: myopia • clinical (human) or epidemiologic studies: prevalence/incidence • clinical (human) or epidemiologic studies: risk factor assessment