Indagine sulle abitudini visive dei bambini tra 8 e 14 anni per il contrasto alla progressione miopica: analisi di un questionario compilato dai genitori

The three-year study on myopia progression control involved the use of validated questionnaires administered to the parents of 1,323 children aged between 8 and 14 years. The aim of this investigation was to assess the visual habits of the sample population in order to develop appropriate preventive strategies for limiting myopia progression whenever possible.In addition to the questionnaire, which is the focus of this article, functional visual assessments were performed using a shared protocol applied to both the experimental and control groups, in order to evaluate the prevalence of myopia and binocular vision disorders. The questionnaire consisted of 60 items exploring multiple aspects of the children’s environment and daily life, including: family history of myopia, home environment, lighting conditions, time spent outdoors, posture, use of digital devices, study time, sports participation, nutrition, specific visual abilities (such as color vision, tracking, and eye–hand coordination), reading and writing skills, learning difficulties, photophobia and asthenopic symptoms, headaches and cervical pain, attention deficits, sleep quality, body weight, and physical well-being.The responses provided important insights into the factors that may contribute to visual system deterioration. Analysis of the collected data highlights significant statistical correlations and supports the implementation of strategies aimed at limiting myopia progression. In fact, a synergistic approach involving healthcare professionals, teachers, and families could promote targeted interventions addressing lighting, posture, time spent outdoors, physical activity (preferably outdoors), management of digital device use, study habits, nutrition, sleep quality, and overall psychophysical well-being.