Prävalenz der Myopie von Kindern und Erwachsenen in Europa und Nordamerika

Purpose. The prevalence of myopia varies highly between different ethnic groups. Especially in East and Southeast Asia the prevalence of myopia is very high. In addition to ethnic factors, the prevalence of myopia is determined by genetic factors. The aim of the literature review is to determine the prevalence of myopia among children and adults of Caucasian origin in Europe and North America. Material and Methods. A systematic literature review was performed for the prevalence of myopia in Europe, Middle East, North America, and Australia. For the evaluation of the results, the methodological requirements of an epidemiologi- cal study of myopia prevalence were formulated. A threshold of -0.50 D and retinoscopy should be standard. Results. The prevalence of myopia is not increased among Caucasians with 30 % from a statistical point of view. In children, the prevalence of myopia can be assumed to be 15 %. The risk of myopia is increased threefold in children with myopic parents compared to children with nonmyopic pa- rents. Refraction determination with autorefractometers and omission of cycloplegia leads to a significant overestimation of the prevalence of myopia. Conclusion. An increase in myopia prevalence can not ne- cessarily be inferred from the observed prevalence of 30% among Caucasians. A reliable determination of myopia pre- valence requires standardized examination methods and thresholds for myopia. Keywords myopia, ethnicity, genetics, children, prevalence