Systematic review and meta-analysis of myopia prevalence in Brazilian school children

Revisão sistemática e metanálise da prevalência de miopia entre as crianças brasileiras de idade escolar

Introduction:  Myopia is a growing global concern and there is a lack of studies on its prevalence among Brazilian schoolchildren.

Methods:  This study aimed to determine the prevalence of myopia in Brazilian children aged 3–18 years through a review and meta-analysis of published studies. Eleven high-quality studies were analyzed following the 2022 PRISMA guidelines. Prevalence was calculated using a meta-analysis, considering the heterogeneity among the studies.

Results:  The overall crude prevalence of myopia in Brazilian children was 7.65%. There was no significant association with the age of the children examined and no significant temporal trend was observed. Approximately one in 13 Brazilian schoolchildren had myopia.

Conclusion:  Given the increased exposure of Brazilian youth to the risk factors for myopia, it is crucial to monitor myopia in the country. Further studies are required to address and prevent myopia in Brazil.

Keywords:
Myopia; Prevalence; Child; Brazil