Parental awareness and knowledge of myopia, its progression, and control: Findings from Goa

Dear Editor, Myopia has emerged as a significant global challenge, with its prevalence reaching epidemic proportions in certain regions.[1] Prevalence among urban Indian children is expected to rise to 48.14% by 2050.[2] A rising trend is also seen among rural Indian children, reflecting a nationwide concern.[3] Early parental involvement has been shown to reduce the risk of developing myopia in children.[4] Since excessive near work and insufficient outdoor time[5] are modifiable risk factors, parents are in a unique position to shape daily behaviors that influence both the onset and progression of myopia. As primary decision-makers in their children’s healthcare, parents also play a pivotal role in the adoption and implementation of myopia control measures. A structured questionnaire [Supplementary File 1] based on a logical model was used to assess parental awareness and knowledge regarding myopia, its progression, and available myopia control measures in Goa. Parents (mother or father) residing in Goa with at least one child aged 18 years or younger were eligible to participate.Among the 238 respondents [Table 1], a majority (151, 63.4%) had never heard of myopia or near-sightedness. Of the 87 (36.6%) who were aware, most cited medical professionals (56, 64.4%) and mass/social media (46, 52.9%) as primary information sources. When asked to define myopia, 76 (87.4%) parents correctly identified it as difficulty seeing far objects clearly. Additionally, 72 (82.8%) believed that frequent use of electronic devices is a cause of myopia. Univariate analysis showed that parents aged 41–50 and 51–60 years, those with higher education level (graduation and above), and an annual income of 2 lakhs or more were significantly more likely to be aware of myopia (P < 0.05).Table 1: Demographic characteristics of parentsFurther questions revealed that of the 87 parents aware of myopia, 53 (22.3%) lacked awareness of its progression. Those who were aware (34, 14.3%) again identified medical professionals (26, 76.5%) as the main source of information. Excessive near work (31, 91.2%) and uncorrected myopia at a young age (25, 73.5%) were frequently cited causes of progression. Only 39 (44.8%) of the 87 parents knew of myopia control methods. The most commonly known methods were myopia control spectacles (34, 87.2%) and myopia control contact lenses (31, 79.5%) [Fig. 1]. Some parents also identified outdoor activities (17, 43.6%) and reduced near work (15, 38.5%) as helpful strategies. Eye drops were the least known (2, 5.1%). Parents were also asked about their preference for commercially available myopia control methods in a hypothetical scenario. Most parents (32, 84.2%) preferred myopia control spectacles for their child [Fig. 1].Figure 1: Percentage of parents aware of (blue) and willing to opt for (orange) different myopia control methodsThe findings suggest low awareness of myopia, its progression, and available control methods among parents, highlighting the need for targeted educational interventions. Eye care professionals should actively engage parents through clinics, schools, and digital platforms to build awareness and promote early action. Educating parents about modifiable risk factors and available control strategies is essential. Recognizing parents as key stakeholders in myopia prevention and management can lead to better visual outcomes in children and help reduce the broader societal burden of visual impairment. Financial support and sponsorship: Nil. Conflicts of interest: There are no conflicts of interest.