The Effect of Near-Work & Family History on the Development of Myopia in Adult Population

INTRODUCTION The most relevant clinical environmental factor typically associated with myopia in humans is near work. Increase in Axial Length (AL) and decrease in radius of Curvature of Cornea (CR) are considered as the two most significant factors associated with Myopia. Several studies showed that prevalence rates of myopia are higher among people who have occupations requiring near work (microscopists, visual display terminal worker). AIMS & OBJECTIVES 1. To study the changes in axial length and radius of corneal curvature in subjects with near work occupation.2. To study the association of parental myopia and near work on the onset of myopia. MATERIALS & METHODS Study comprised of Healthy individuals visiting for routine eye check-up & patients diagnosed as myopic visiting outpatient Department of Ophthalmology at Vydehi Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Bangalore. Sample size was 380. A-Scan Biometry was used to determine the Axial Length of the eye. Autorefractokeratometer was used for measuring the Radius of Curvature of Cornea. We studied the changes in AL & CR in near work induced myopia. RESULTS It was found that the 63.3.7 % of the cases recorded yes for the history of near work which is slightly higher in case than of control group (41.2 %). It was noted that 76.9 % of the case group had family history where as it was 54.9 % in the control group. CONCLUSION There is a strong correlation between near work & myopia, also noted that subjects with family history of myopia had early onset of myopia.