Ophthalmology and Therapy · 8 authors, 5 centres
This summary was generated by AI from a single paper. It has not been reviewed by a clinician and is not clinical advice. Verify against the source before acting on it.
This nationwide survey of 2500 Chinese parents found that only 55.1% considered myopia a disease and over 70% did not recognize its pathological risks, despite 82% believing it could be prevented. Parents who viewed myopia as a disease were more likely to take preventive measures and seek professional care. The findings highlight a critical need for nationwide education to improve parental knowledge and practices for effective myopia control.
**Background:** Myopia prevalence has increased dramatically, especially in China, where approximately 80% of senior high school students are affected. Parental perspectives are crucial for treatment compliance and effective myopia control. Previous studies in China were limited to single districts, so this nationwide survey aimed to assess Chinese parents' knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding myopia.
**Methods:** This prospective cross-sectional survey used a self-administered internet-based questionnaire distributed to 2545 parents across China. Eligible responses were obtained from 2500 parents (97.8% and 98.6% qualified rates in 2021 and 2022, respectively). The questionnaire covered demographics, knowledge about myopia and its complications, attitudes toward prevention and control, and practices. Statistical analyses used χ² tests with significance set at P<0.05.
**Key Results:** Among respondents, 55.1% considered myopia a disease, and over 70% did not realize that even low myopia could cause pathological changes. Only 27.4% believed all degrees of myopia could cause pathological changes. Most parents thought myopia could be prevented (82.0%) and controlled (75.2%). Parents who believed myopia was a disease were more likely to take preventive measures (P<0.001) and seek eye examinations (P<0.001). The most common myopia control modality was spectacles (87.0%), with 63.7% using single-vision spectacles. Outdoor time was limited: 56.4% of children spent less than 7 hours per week outdoors. Parents with myopic children and those from first-tier cities had better knowledge and more proactive practices.
**Clinical Implications:** The study reveals significant gaps in parental knowledge about myopia's health risks and limited use of effective control measures like orthokeratology or atropine. Nationwide education programs are urgently needed to improve parental awareness, especially in lower-tier cities and for parents of non-myopic children. Clinicians should actively educate parents about myopia complications and evidence-based control strategies to enhance treatment compliance and outcomes.