The relationship between education levels, lifestyle, and religion regarding the prevalence of myopia in Israel

Abstract

Background The ultra-Orthodox Jewish community has a unique lifestyle including minimal outdoor activity and intense, prolonged nearby work, beginning at a very young age. Their prevalence of myopia is extremely high. This paper provides a unique insight into the attitudes of this community towards myopia. Methods Ultra-Orthodox Jewish parents of children who came to the pediatric ophthalmology clinic in one tertiary care and two community centers in ultra-Orthodox-oriented cities were given a questionnaire. Demographic information, along with myopia prevalence in the family, was gathered. In addition, their attitudes and common knowledge regarding myopia were investigated. Results 161 questioners were collected, mostly completed by mothers (n = 110, 68%). The average number of children per family was 6 (range 1–16). In 148 families (92%) at least one of the parents has myopia. The average parent refraction was − 4.5 diopters (range − 0.5 to 15 diopters). Out of 935 children, 410 (44%) wore glasses. Twelve parents (7%) believe that myopia is a disease and 94 (58%) reported that they are concerned because their child wears glasses. Twenty-four (15%) believe that glasses are a sign of a high education level. Regarding treating myopia progression, 144 (89%) think that myopia progression should be treated, but only 36 (22%) are aware of the available treatments for it. Conclusion This study examines an insular community with a very high incidence of myopia. In this community most parents think that myopia progression should be treated but most of them are unaware of the currently available treatments.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of myopia prevalence in African school children

“…Of these, two studies [ 36 , 52 ] used cycloplegic refraction, which is thought to more accurately estimate the prevalence of myopia [ 59 ]. The lower prevalence of myopia in Africa compared with the other regions may be related to the differences in genetic predisposition to myopia development, and to culture [ 60 – 62 ]. Although the role of genetics in the development and progression of myopia is reported to be small [ 12 ], it is believed to have a role in an individual’s susceptibility to environmental risk factors for myopia [ 63 ].…”

Influence of Lifestyle Patterns On Myopia In Students Aged 9 To 18 In Tianjin, China: A Latent Class Analysis

“…In areas with high prevalence of myopia such as Asian countries, prevention is an urgent task. A variety of studies investigated lifestyle (mainly including outdoor, near work, and screen use) [51][52][53][54] , but how these factors work together and lead to myopia or promote myopia progression is intricated. Though many efforts have been tried to reduce the incidence of myopia and the effect of myopia prevention was checked 55 , most of them implemented only a few intervention measures which may not be suitable for every single person in practice.…”

Myopia Prevalence in Latin American Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

“…This is because we specifically selected studies that defined myopia as a spherical equivalent of ≤−0.5 D. The relatively low prevalence of myopia observed in LATAM children and adolescents aligns with the findings from other studies, indicating a lower prevalence of myopia in Western children than in Asian children [ 8 , 47 ]. Numerous studies have demonstrated the significant influence of environmental factors on myopia development, particularly near-work activities, such as writing, reading, and computer use [ 48 - 50 ]. In many LATAM countries, there is a difference in the age at which children begin formal education compared with other Asian countries.…”