Low vision and suspected myopia in primary and secondary school students in Chongqing from 2000 to 2014

Objective To understand current trend of low vision and suspected myopia among primary and secondary school students in Chongqing from 2000 to 2014,and to provide evidence for prevention and treatment of myopia.Methods Data of National Survey on Students Health and Physical Constitution in Chongqing during 2000,2005,2010 and 2014 was analyzed.Results Prevalence of low vision increased by 20.06% and 15.53% for primary and middle school students,respectively,and suspected myopia increased by 20.35% and 17.26%,respectively.Low vision among girls (58.11%) was significantly higher than that of boys (55.81%) (x2 =3.90,P<0.05),students from urban areas (63.31%) higher than that of rural areas (50.61%) (x2 =118.32,P<0.01).Economically high-(66.21%),moderate-(52.04%) and low-areas (52.63%) had significant differences in low vision prevalence.Nearly 98.37% of students with low vision were suspected for myopia.Same trends was found in suspected myopia in Chongqing during the past 14 years.Conclusion The increasing trend in prevalence of low vision and suspected myopia among students in Chongqing needs further consideration,especially among primary school.Comprehensive prevention and intervention should be taken at early stage of school,including encourage for outdoor activities and physical exercise.