Self-reported myopia in Taiwan: 2005 Taiwan National Health Interview Survey

Abstract

Purpose: To determine the prevalence of self-reported myopia nationwide in Taiwan and its association with degrees of urbanization and education levels. Methods: Data were obtained from the 2005 Taiwan National Health Interview Survey, a nationwide survey using multistage stratified systematic sampling. The presence of myopia, current residential areas, and education levels were ascertained by a structured questionnaire in participants ≥12 years of age. Results: A total of 20 609 eligible persons were included in this study. The overall weighted prevalence of myopia in Taiwan was 46.7% (95% confidence interval: 45.9, 47.5%). The prevalence of myopia for persons aged 12-19, 20-39, 40-64, and ≥65 years was 70.3%, 65.4%, 30.4%, and 5.6%, respectively. Women had significantly higher rates of myopia than men for persons younger than 40 years of age (P