Prevalence rate of nearsightedness in schoolchildren in rural Mongolia

research

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The amount of myopia, or nearsightedness, among some young Asian populations is reportedly increasing to near epidemic proportions. But rural populations, such as rural Mongolia are emerging economies with limited eye care resources.

The purpose of this study was to define a level of nearsightedness for school-aged children in rural Mongolia. The total prevalence of nearsightedness (more than -0.5 D spherical equivalent) was 5.8%. Female students exhibited a significantly higher prevalence of nearsightedness in comparison to male students: 8% compared with 3%, respectively. The prevalence rate of nearsightedness in Mongolia is, so far, low in comparison to other Far Eastern countries.

Published: Optom Vis Sci. 2006 Jan;83(1):53-6.