[Occurrence of myopia among Polish students aged 6 to 18 years old].

PURPOSE

To determine the prevalence of myopia among students ranging from 6 to 18 years of age.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

5023 students in all, from elementary schools, junior high schools and high schools, aged 6-18 years were examined. Measurements of visual acuity as well as retinoscopy after cycloplegia have been carried out. The data was analysed using chi-square test.

RESULTS

It was found that 15% of the students, aged from 6 to 18 suffers from myopia. It has been observed that from the sixth to the eighteenth years of life along with the age grows the prevalence was well as value of myopia. A major increase in the frequency of myopia occurrence among students over the age of 14 has been found. Significant differences between prevalence of myopia among boys and girls was not observed.

CONCLUSIONS

(1) 15% of students in the age from 6 to 18 suffer from myopia. (2) Along with the age the prevalence of myopia increases.