Current concepts for myopia development in Bulgarian schools
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.2478/amb-2026-0037Keywords:
myopia, progression, preventionAbstract
The current concepts for the risk factors for myopia state nowadays factors can be analyzed from the perspective of their modification and the prevention of the eye disorder. The main question is not only what the risk factors are, but also how to reduce them in order to delay the myopia onset and progression. In that regard, some more important risk factors are identified than others. The risk factors closely linked to the concept of prevention of myopia are: timing, brightness and UV light exposure in outdoor activities; duration and distance of near work (more than 2 hours per day, less than 20 cm), the type of electronic devices used, and breaks from near work; indoor illumination (over 250 lux, which is protective for myopia); age – pre-myops aged 6-8 years are at extreme risk of myopic complications. The complications of excessive myopia can be sight-threatening. With the aim of preventing them, a screening program was implemented in Bulgarian schools for a 7-year-period (2018-2025). The results, as well as the new methods of myopia prevention, are discussed and outlined.
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Ch. Vidinova, A. Koeva. Myopia – risk factors, prevalence in Bulgarian schools, and prevention. Acta Medica Bulgarica, 2024, 51(4):28‑32.
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Journal Acta Medica Bulgarica