Myopia – Risk Factors, Prevalence in Bulgarian Schools, and Prevention

Abstract Myopia is a type of clinical refraction, a form of spherical refractive anomaly in which the eye has a relatively stronger refractive power for the corresponding length of the anteroposterior axis. The focus of this optical system is far in front of the retina. Myopia can be congenital or manifest later, most often at school age. It can be stationary or progressive. Progresive myopia is sight-threatening. The article discusses results from a screening program for myopia progression in Bulgarian schools between 2018-2023. The risk factors for myopia development have been outlined, and the ways of prophylaxis have been pointed out.