DR. SANCHITA AGARWAL

Dr. Swarna Biseria Gupta

Abstract

AIMS

To study progression of myopia in children in relation to lifestyle, growth & axial length.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

1500 school-going children of age 7-10yrs studied & followed for 3yrs. Weight,height & physique noted. Children & guardians were asked to fill a questionnaire regarding reading & eating habits, outdoor games, diet & nutrition, duration of near work & use of audiovisual(AV) devices. VA,refraction,PMT corneal curvature,axial length,IOP noted & fundus examined.

RESULTS

Out of 1500, 950 were myopic from starting,78% revealed progression of – 0.5 to -1.5 diopter after 1yrs, 0.25mm increase in axial length,0. 5-3cm in height and 3.5 to 5.5 kg in weight. Progression noticed more in children having sedentary life, indulge more in AV devices, devoid of a healthy diet & lacking good visual hygiene.

CONCLUSION

Genetic factors responsible for body growth, along with unhealthy reading habits in low illumination, use of AV devices & lack of balance diet add to an increase in myopia.