Association between Time Spent on Near Work and Myopia in Children in Calabar, Nigeria: A Case control Study

Abstract

Background: Myopia is a refractive error of the eyes that causes blurred distance vision. Child myopia has received global attention with near work, genetics, and environmental factors implicated as risk factors. This study sought to determine the association between time spent on near-work activities and myopia in Children in Calabar, Nigeria. Methods: A case-control study was conducted among children, 5-17 years old, matched by age and sex. Cases were children diagnosed with myopia and those without myopia were the controls. Eye examination was conducted to confirm refractive status and myopia was defined as a spherical equivalent of ≥-0.50D. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on near-work activity. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 22 and presented as odds ratios, independent t-tests, and Pearson's correlation. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Cases spent significantly more time on near work than controls (mean = 5.93 vs 5.00 hours daily, p = 0.001). Increased time spent near work was associated with more than twice the risk of developing myopia (Odds Ratio: 2.75; 95% CI; 1.040 - 7.292, p=0.037). There was a positive correlation between time spent near work and myopia. This was statistically significant (r = 0.440, p = 0.001). Conclusion: This study identified long time spent near work by children as a risk factor for myopia. Given the growing educational pressure on children in Nigeria and the use of digital devices, there is a need to regulate the time children spend on near-work activities.