Prevalence of myopia in a sample of Greek students

Acta Ophthalmol Scand. 2000 Dec;78(6):656-9. doi: 10.1034/j.1600-0420.2000.078006656.x.

Abstract

Purpose: An epidemiological study, concerning the prevalence of myopia among the student population (15-18 years old) of Northern Greece, was carried out.

Methods: Specific questionnaires were used in order to collect data on the refractive condition of students.

Results: Myopia prevalence was 36.8% and was found to be more common in females (46.0%) than in males (29.7%). The prevalence increased in students with myopic parents and myopic siblings. It was also found that myopia correlates strongly with nearwork and school performance.

Conclusion: The study results suggest that myopia is a rather common refractive error in Greek students. Findings also indicate that myopia is probably hereditary and correlates with educational level, intelligence and excessive nearwork.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Female
  • Greece / epidemiology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Myopia / epidemiology*
  • Prevalence
  • Students / statistics & numerical data
  • Surveys and Questionnaires