Prevalence and Risk Factors of Myopia in Children and Adolescents in Germany - Results of the KiGGS Survey

Purpose To determine the population prevalence and risk factors of myopia in children and adolescents in Germany. Methods The prevalence of myopia in Germany was computed using data from the 2003-2006 German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Children and Adolescents (N=17640, 49% girls). Status of myopia was derived from parental questionnaire responses for myopia and the use of spectacles. Potential risk factors were identified using directed acyclic graphs and evaluated using multivariable logistic regression analysis. Results The population prevalence of myopia in the age group 3-17 years was estimated at 13.3% (95%-confidential interval 12.6-14.0%). In the age group 3-10 years, myopia was positively associated with age (per 2 years: OR=1.78 [1.59; 2.00]) and negatively associated with male gender (OR=0.73 [0.57; 0.95]), but neither with leisure-time activities nor with media use. In the age group 11-17 years, attending a High School was positively associated with myopia (OR=1.69 [1.32; 2.16]), while regular physical activity (OR=0.67 [0.53; 0.84]) was negatively associated. Media use was not associated. Conclusions In Germany, myopia is one of the most frequent chronic medical conditions among children and adolescents. Girls, adolescents, and pupils attending a Gymnasium are at higher risk of developing myopia while being physically active may be protective.