The effect of near work on simple myopia

Abstract

The aim of the study is to demonstrate the association of time spent in near work and reading (i.e. computer and smart phones usages) with simple myopia in a population-based sample of (13 — 24) years old Sudanese, from June 2013 to Feb 2014. Data on the time spent on near-work per day and estimates for the duration of continuous reading and the kind of close work activity, were collected in a questionnaires (200 participants) in Khartoum. Both genders were included (58.5%) males, and (41.5%) females. All participants underwent a comprehensive eye examination, including, refraction, biomicroscopy, and ophthalmoscopy. The degree of myopia ranged from (-0.5OD) to (-5.50D) with mean (-3.69D). The result revealed as longer time spent on reading for pleasure and reports of close reading distance were significantly associated with a more myopic refraction (1-= 0.96). Although simple myopia was significantly associated with time spent in near work, there were significant independent associations with continuous reading (r 3 0.05). These associations may indicate that the intensity rather than the continuous duration of near work is an important factor. ' In general, there was a very weak correlation between myopia and age (correlation coefficient for all, r 5 -0.08). Overall, the average number of hours spent in near work per day was 6.9 hours. Using smart phones (49%) and an improvement of education technology and using computer (34.5%) play a major role in increase a time spent on near work. Key words: myopia, near work, continuous reading, accommodation.