Little evidence for an epidemic of myopia in Australian primary school children over the last 30 years

摘要: Recently reported prevalences of myopia in primary school children vary greatly different regions the world. This study aimed to estimate prevalence refractive errors an unselected urban population young eastern Sydney, Australia, between 1998 and 2004, for comparison with our previously published data gathered using same protocols other Australian studies over last 30 years. Right eye from non-cycloplegic retinoscopy was analysed 1,936 aged 4 12 years who underwent a full examination whilst on vision science excursion Vision Education Centre Clinic at University New South Wales. Myopia defined as spherical equivalents equal or less than -0.50 D, hyperopia greater +0.50 D. The mean equivalent decreased significantly (p < 0.0001) age +0.73 ± 0.1D (SE) +0.21 0.11D proportion across all ages -0.50D more 8.4%, ranging 2.3% year olds 14.7% olds. Hyperopia +0.50D present 38.4%. A 3-way ANOVA cohort, gender both current previous showed significant main effect but not cohort = 0.134) 0.61). Comparison new early 1990s that 8,000 non-clinical rural 1970's 1980's provided no evidence rapidly increasing described elsewhere In fact, continues be lower Asia North America despite changing demographics. raises issue whether these results are reflection Australia's stable educational system lifestyle