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International Journal of Recent Trends in Science and Technology, ISSN 2277-2812 E-ISSN: 2249-8109

Volume 8, Issue 1, August 2013 pp 09-11

Research Article

Risk Factors for Myopia in Medical Students

N. S. Wakode¹, S. L. Wakode², D. D. Ksheersagar³

{¹Assistant Professor, ³Professor and Head} Department of Anatomy, N. K. P. Salve Medical College, Nagpur, Maharashtra, INDIA.

Academic Editor : Dr. Aher K.R.

Aim and introduction: Today in India, with increasing level of education and living standard, the prevalence and severity of myopia appear to be an upward trend. High incidence and progression rates of myopia have been reported in individuals who spend long hours in near work activity. Besides several other factors, possible genetic factor and occurrence of myopia was also determined. Material and method: The present study was carried on 222 MBBS students of NKP Salve Medical Collage and government medical collage Nagpur. Student completed questionnaire that include age, sex, age of appearance of refractive error, parent history, reading hours, computer using, television watching, playing videogame, scoring in common entrance, extra achievement in carrier and sport. Data was analyzed using SPSS frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation was calculated accordingly. Chi-square test was applied wherever applicable and P value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Result: Assessing genetic component, 81(66.39%) myopic student parent show positive family history whereas 41 myopic student parent, (33.60%) did not have positive family history. Statistically it showed strong significant relationship. (P= 0.001). Average continuous reading hours of myopic student were about 25hrs/ wk and 10hrs/ wk for emmetropic student. It was statistically significant (P=0.001). Strong significant association was found in myopic student for  scoring achievement in carrier other than regular study as compared to emmetropic (P=0.001). Total hours of work on computer, watching television and playing video games were statistically significant for myopic. Conclusion: Myopia is a predominant refractive error among the first year medical students. Majority of myopic students score highest marks in common entrance, achievement in carrier other than syllabus study. The prevalence of myopia shows association with computer, videogame and TV. Majority of the parents of myopic medical students are also found to be myopic.