Myopia and Nutrient Associations with Age-Related Eye Diseases in Korean Adults: A Cross-Sectional KNHANES Study

TL;DR

This study found that myopia and diet are linked to age-related eye diseases in Korean adults over 40, emphasizing the role of nutrition in prevention.

Contribution

The study identifies myopia as a risk factor for cataracts and macular degeneration and highlights the protective role of specific nutrients.

Findings

Myopia was associated with increased risks of cataracts and macular degeneration but not glaucoma.

Higher intake of certain nutrients correlated with lower risks of age-related eye diseases.

Prevalence rates of eye diseases varied significantly by age and gender in the Korean population.

Abstract

This study assessed the prevalence of myopia, cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration among Koreans over 40, utilizing data from the 7th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES VII, 2018). We analyzed 204,973 adults (44% men, 56% women; mean age 58.70 ± 10.75 years), exploring the association between myopia and these eye diseases through multivariate logistic regression, adjusting for confounders and calculating adjusted odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results showed a myopia prevalence of 44.6%, cataracts at 19.4%, macular degeneration at 16.2%, and glaucoma at 2.3%, with significant differences across ages and genders. A potential link was found between myopia and an increased risk of cataracts and macular degeneration, but not with glaucoma. Additionally, a higher dietary intake of carbohydrates, polyunsaturated and n-6 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals correlated with lower risks of these diseases, underscoring the importance of the diet in managing and preventing age-related eye conditions. These findings highlight the need for dietary considerations in public health strategies and confirm myopia as a significant risk factor for specific eye diseases in the aging Korean population.

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