Incidence of Progressive Myopia among Myopic Children and Adolescents in Erbil City

Abstract

Background and Objectives: We sought to evaluate the rate of progressive myopia alongside the average annual myopia progression among myopic children and adolescents within Erbil, Iraq.
Methods: We carried out this prospective cohort study at North Eye Medical Center in Erbil, Iraq, from May 2025 to May 2026. This study enrolled 122 myopic children between the ages of 5 and 17 years. Visual acuity and refractive error were measured using standardized ophthalmic examinations. An annual spherical equivalent change of ≥0.50 D indicated progressive myopia. The data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 27.
Results: A total of 122 myopic children and adolescents (mean age: 10.80 ± 3.30 years) were included. The incidence of progressive myopia during the 12-month follow-up was 27.0%. The mean annual myopia progression rate was −0.38 ± 0.36 D/year. Progressive myopia was significantly more frequent in girls than boys (36.9% vs. 15.8%, P = 0.009). Younger children (5–12 years) showed significantly greater myopia progression than adolescents (13–17 years) (P = 0.047). Children with daily digital device use showed greater myopia progression than those without daily digital device use (P = 0.002). Conclusion: Progressive myopia was common among children and adolescents in Erbil. Younger age and daily digital device use were associated with greater myopia progression. Girls had a higher proportion of progressive myopia than boys. These findings emphasize the importance of regular follow-up of children at risk of progressive myopia.