Cumulative incidence of myopia and risk factors in rural south India: results from the Andhra Pradesh Eye…

Cohort studyClinical & experimental optometry· Jul 2026

Cumulative incidence of myopia and risk factors in rural south India: results from the Andhra Pradesh Eye Disease Study III.

Winston D Prakash, Rohit C Khanna, Srinivas Marmamula … Gullapalli N Rao

Cataract & RefractiveCohort studyPrognosisQ2IF 1.7

Myopia developed in 8% of rural south Indian adults over 15 years of follow-up.

Cumulative incidence of myopia and risk factors in rural south India: results from the Andhra Pradesh Eye Disease Study III.

Winston D Prakash … Gullapalli N Rao

Clinical & experimental optometry · Jul 2026 · Q2 in Ophthalmology

Background

Myopia is becoming a major public health condition affecting 30-35% of the global population and is expected to affect 50% by 2050.

Purpose

This study aimed to determine the 15-year cumulative incidence and risk factors of myopia among participants of the Andhra Pradesh Eye Disease Study.

Methods

Underwent a comprehensive eye examination, including dry refraction.

n = 2,071 participants

Results

8.0%

checked eyes over 15 years; developed new nearsightedness needing correction, not present at start

n = 2,071 participants

More results

Of 7,771 baseline participants, 5,395 (69.4%) were examined at follow-up.

The incidence was higher in younger females (9.9%) than males (6.1%), but it was higher in older males (10.4%) than females (5.5%).

More results

In multivariable analysis, female gender and residence at Mahabubnagar and Adilabad districts were risk factors among those <30 years, whereas current alcohol consumption was a significant risk among ≥30 age group.

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Conclusion · 1 of 2

Although the overall estimates were similar between younger and older participants, in the latter, the incidence may be linked to residual nuclear sclerosis.

Conclusion · 2 of 2

Future studies should consider including other modifiable risk factors associated with myopia, which could aid in developing suitable intervention strategies to address the rising global prevalence.

Cumulative incidence of myopia and risk factors in rural south India: results from the Andhra Pradesh Eye Disease Study III.

Cumulative incidence of myopia and risk factors in rural south India: results from the Andhra Pradesh Eye Disease Study III.

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