Background and Aim: Myopia (nearsightedness/shortsightedness) is a refractive error (ametropia). In myopia, light rays focus in front of the retina, resulting in increased axial length. This, in turn, causes retinal detachment, increasing focusing towards it. The purpose of this study is to evaluate medical student’s knowledge, behavior and practices regarding myopia.
Method: A cross-sectional descriptive study conducted at Rawalpindi Medical University between April-September 2024.We included 315 medical students from all five-year MBBS programs using a sequential sampling methodology. We used the standard questionnaire, the multidimensional health assessment questionnaire (MDHAQ).
Results: Of 315 participants, 112 were myopic. Total of 88.6% were females, and 11.4% were males. Myopia development was highest between ages 10-20 (58.2%), with 5.7% developing it before age 10 and 10.8% after age 20. Mild myopia was present in 53.8%, moderate myopia in 23.4%, and severe myopia in 1.3%. Family history was noted in 41.8%. Regular eyewear use was reported by 58.5%, but only 28.5% saw improvement. Increased screen time and reduced physical activity were major contributors to rising myopia prevalence. Physical activity averaged 30 minutes daily, while 34.2% spent 4 hours, 32.3% spent 6 hours, 29.7% spent 8 hours, and 2% spent 2 hours on screens. Exercise, multivitamin supplements (especially vitamin A), and outdoor activities were believed to improve myopia, while 36.1% viewed refractive error surgery as the ultimate solution.
Conclusions: Family history positively impacted myopia. Increased screentime and decreased physical activity were the major causes of myopia, while vitamin A supplements, and outdoor activities improved vision.
Key words: Myopia, vitamin A deficiency, refractive error, medical students
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