High myopia linked to higher education levels

Article

Attaining a higher level of education and spending more years in school have been linked to a greater prevalence and severity of myopia, according to a study recently published in Ophthalmology.

San Francisco-Attaining a higher level of education and spending more years in school have been linked to a greater prevalence and severity of myopia, according to a study recently published in Ophthalmology.

According to researchers, 4,658 participants between the ages of 35 and 74 were given a comprehensive questionnaire; a thorough ophthalmic, cardiovascular, psychological, and general examination; and laboratory tests, in order to determine the prevalence and magnitude of myopia in association with the number of years spent in school and level of post-school professional education.

Playing outdoors helps reduce risk of myopia in kids

The results of the study found that 24 percent of participants with no high school education or other training were myopic; 35 percent of high school graduates and vocational school graduates were myopic; and 53 percent of university graduates were myopic. The study also found that the participants who spent more years in school were more myopic, with the myopia worsening for each year of school.

Researchers also looked at the effect of genetics on the degree of myopia, but found education level was a stronger factor. 

Newsletter

Want more insights like this? Subscribe to Optometry Times and get clinical pearls and practice tips delivered straight to your inbox.

Recent Videos
CRU 2025 provided the latest insights regarding glaucoma, dry eye disease, retina, myopia, neurotrophic keratitis, and keratoconus.
Rachelle Lin, OD, MS, FAAO
Paul Karpecki, OD, FAAO
Melissa Barnett, OD, FAAO, FSLS, FBCLA, gave 2 presentations alongside other ODs and MDs at CRU 2025.
Rachelle Lin, OD, MS, FAAO, at CRU Eye Symposium 2025
Melissa Tawa, OD, FAAO, provides insights to take glaucoma management from reactive to proactive in presentations given at CRU 2025 in Napa, California.
Rachelle Lin, OD, MS, FAAO, details her presentation on inherited retinal diseases at CRU 2025.
Setting the stage in LA: Neda Shamie, MD, on the 19th annual Controversies in Modern Eye Care meeting
Jennifer Li, MD, details a talk she gave alongside Melissa Barnett, OD, FAAO, FSLS, FBCLA, at CRU 2025 in Napa, California.
Deb Ristvedt, DO, details a handful of presentations on glaucoma she gave during CRU 2025 in Napa, California.
© 2025 MJH Life Sciences

All rights reserved.