Prevalence of myopia in school students in Yuyao, Zhejiang

  Objective  To understand the prevalence of myopia in school students in Yuyao, Zhejiang province, and provide the scientific basis for further prevention and control of myopia in students.

  Methods  A cross-sectional study of myopia was carried, all the students in Yuyao received visual acuity and refraction tests.

  Results  A total 109088 students were surveyed by using questionnaire in Yuyao with 104 800 valid questionnaires returned. The prevalence rate of myopia in the students was 51.96%. The prevalence rate was significantly higher in girl students than in boy students (H=345, P<0.01). The prevalence rate in Han ethnic students was significantly higher than that in students in other ethnic groups (H=663, P<0.01). The prevalence rate of students in public schools was significantly lower than that of students in private schools(H=122, P<0.01). The prevalence rate was significantly higher in urban students than in rural students (H=1182, P<0.01). Senior high students had highest prevalence rate of myopia, followed by vocational senior high school students, junior high school students and primary school students. With the increase of school age, the prevalence rate of myopia also increased significantly (r=0.90). In low school aged students (1–6 years), mild myopia was common, while in high school aged students (7–12 years), moderate and severe myopia were common.

  Conclusion  The prevalence of myopia was higher in students in Yuyao, with a younger age and severity trend. In order to reduce the prevalence of myopia in students, it is necessary to take further comprehensive intervention measures.