Myopia has become a rapidly growing public health concern globally, especially in Asia, where academic pressures and environmental factors contribute to its rising prevalence. Medical students are considered a high-risk group due to intense near work and prolonged screen use.
Aim: To evaluate the factors affecting the prevalence of myopia among undergraduate medical students in India.
Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 550 undergraduate medical students. Sociodemographic data, family history, lifestyle habits, and ocular factors were collected using a structured questionnaire. Visual acuity testing and refractive assessments were performed. Associations between myopia and various factors were analyzed using chi-square tests and logistic regression, with p<0.05 considered statistically significant.
Results: The overall prevalence of myopia was 74%. Parental history of myopia showed a significant association with student myopia (P=0.002). Gender, place of residence, academic year, screen time, sleep duration, and body posture showed no statistically significant associations, though female students and those reading at closer distances had higher myopia prevalence. Only 10.7% of students reported performing eye exercises.
Conclusion: Myopia is highly prevalent among Indian medical undergraduates, with parental history emerging as the strongest predictor. Preventive strategies, early screening, and awareness programs targeting modifiable lifestyle factors are urgently needed to address this rising concern.
