A concept reflecting relative visual acuity insufficiency among low and moderate myopia students in East of China: Yicheng Myopia Study

Abstract Background: Myopia has shown a sharp upward trend worldwide and has become a global public health concern. However, there were insufficient correction rates all over the world. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of myopia and spectacle-wearing rate in primary and high school students in Yicheng, as well as analyze the risk factors of myopia onset and development. Methods: The Yicheng Myopia Study was a school-based cross-sectional study of primary and high school students in Yicheng District, Shandong Province, China. The refractive error was measured using an autorefractor without cycloplegia and recorded as a spherical equivalent refraction (SER). Visual acuity was recorded as uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA). Only worse SER and UCVA values between the two eyes were analyzed. Myopia was defined as SER < -0.50 D and UCVA > 0.2 using the logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution. Correction rate (CR) was the ratio of individuals wearing spectacles in myopia students. Results: A total of 37,908 primary and high school students were included (16,826 girls, mean age of 11.68 ± 3.04 years). In total, 15,779 students were myopic. Older age, female sex, and schooling in urban areas were risk factors for myopia. Correction rates were low among students in Yicheng. And there were obvious relative visual acuity insufficiency among low and moderate myopia students, especially in high grades students. Conclusions: The prevalence of myopiain the Yicheng student population was 41.6%. The proportion of students with uncorrected myopia was high.Further research should be conducted to identify specific socioeconomic factors that contribute to myopia and to lower the incidence of myopia by lowering the exposure to these factors. Trial registration: Not applicable.