Association between myopia and psychological well-being: a cross-sectional study based on Saudi university students

Background: Myopia is an escalating global health issue projected to affect half of the world's population by 2050. This study assesses the relationship between myopia and psychological well-being among Saudi university students at King Khalid University in Abha City, KSA. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using an interview-based questionnaire from October 2023 to July 2024 with participating university students. An ophthalmologist performed ocular examinations, and the questionnaire included socio-demographic data, the visual function questionnaire (VFQ-25), the generalized anxiety disorder 7-item (GAD-7) scale, and the self-rating depression scale (SDS). Results: A total of 184 participants were studied. Myopic participants had significantly lower scores on visual function subscales, including general vision, near activities, and social functioning (p <0.001). Myopia correlated with higher GAD-7 and SDS scores, indicating elevated anxiety and depression levels. Severe myopia (>900°) was associated with the lowest VFQ-25 scores and highest anxiety and depression levels. Additionally, a significant association emerged between the duration of wearing glasses and increased depressive symptoms (p=0.041), suggesting prolonged use of corrective lenses may exacerbate psychological distress. Conclusion: Myopia substantially impacts visual function and psychological well-being among Saudi university students. Severe myopia is linked to poorer vision and heightened anxiety and depression. These findings highlight the necessity for integrated eye and mental health care interventions in university settings to alleviate the psychological burden of myopia and improve students' overall quality of life.