Prevalence and associated sociodemographic factors of myopia in Korean children: The 2005 third Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES III)

Purpose: To evaluate the sociodemographic factors of myopia and the care of myopia in Korean children. Methods: We acquired data from 8,633 children who had completed the Health Interview Survey portion of the third Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. We assessed the prevalence of eye problems in subjects younger than 19. Sociodemographic factors that affect myopia and myopia care were identified by multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results: The prevalence of child myopia in Korea was 22.6%. The results indicated a significant association between increasing age and myopia. There was a relation between the prevalence of myopia and income level. Participants living in homes owned by their parents or in urban areas as well as those with disabilities were more likely to have myopia. In terms of myopia care, age and monthly household income were significant factors. Conclusions: Public education and strategies such as a national vision screening programs are needed for appropriate vision care as children get older, and more effort needs to be made in assisting disabled persons with vision care.