Silvia Gamboa Saavedra
Centro de OftalmologÃa Bonafonte, Spain
Title: Prevalence estimates for myopia in children and young people in 2013–2017
Biography
Biography: Silvia Gamboa Saavedra
Abstract
Objective: To compare prevalence estimates for myopia in children and young people in 2013–2017.
Methods: Retrospective study of the ophthalmology history of children (6–9 years old) and young people (10–15 years old) from
2013 to 2017 was conducted in Barcelona. All of them were with diagnosis of myopia and presenting visual acuity ≥0.5 and ≤0.4,
respectively.
Results: The estimated prevalence of myopia in children aged 6–9 years old and young people 10–15 years old was higher in the
last five years in both groups. In last five years, prevalence estimates were higher for children, 17% vs. 33% (p <0.001) and for
young people 30% vs. 47% (p<0.001) and for all levels of myopia severity: <2D 12% to 18% (p<0.001), >/= 2D -<6D 12% to 25%
(p<0.001) and >/= 6D 1-6% (p<0.001).
Conclusions: Using similar methods, the prevalence of myopia in children and young people in Barcelona, appears to be higher
in last 5 years. What are the reasons for the increase in prevalence of myopia? What are we doing to try to slow down the progress
of myopia? Reducing the age of onset of myopia is of great concern. Ophthalmologists and optometrist have to go on looking for
options to reduce the risk of myopia and to educate children and young people for reducing computer vision syndrome.