The Debate Surrounding the Pathogenesis of Myopia

In this issue of JAMA Ophthalmology, Bez and colleagues report 9.3-fold increased odds of having myopia among a group of adolescent male students from an ultra-Orthodox community exposed to intense near-work activities (those done at a short working distance) from a very young age compared with age-matched secular adolescent male students without this exposure. The magnitude of the reported association in this study is enormous. The authors had great insight to study unique cultural differences that may be associated with the increasing rates and pathogenesis of myopia. Eye care professionals and policy makers should not underestimate the societal implications of the increasing rates of myopia. Myopia has serious health implications. Patients with myopia are more likely to have retinal detachments, macular degeneration, and complications with ocular surgery. Even in the absence of these complications, myopia can adversely affect quality of life.
Source: JAMA Ophthalmology - Category: Opthalmology Source Type: research