Factors Underlying Different Myopia Prevalence between Middle- and Low-income Provinces in China

Currently available data on myopia and spectacle wear are drawn largely from China's richer and middle-income areas, and little is known about refractive error and spectacle wear in the lowest income provinces. Studies from China and elsewhere suggest that large differences in myopia prevalence may exist between areas of different socioeconomic status within countries, but reasons for these differences are not well understood. The current report details the prevalence and predictors of myopia measured using the identical protocols and equipment in 2 adjoining provinces of western China, middle-income Shaanxi and low-income Gansu. Study methods including institutional review board approvals and consent have been described elsewhere. 1 Ma X. Zhou Z. Yi H. et al. Effect of providing free glasses on children’s educational outcomes in China: cluster randomized controlled trial. BMJ. 2014; 349: g5740 Crossref PubMed Scopus (120)