Linking Dry Eye Disease and Myopia in Children: An Overview of Existing Evidence and Potential Mechanisms

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Myopia prevalence among schoolchildren has significantly increased, particularly in East Asia, affecting over 150 million children in China alone.
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Dry eye disease (DED) is a major public health concern that negatively impacts learning, quality of life, and social functioning in schoolchildren.
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Studies indicate that myopic individuals, including schoolchildren, have a higher prevalence of DED compared to their non-myopic peers.
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The association between myopia and DED is supported by various mechanisms, including structural changes from axial elongation and behavioral factors.
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High myopia is a pronounced risk factor for DED, with prevalence rates in myopic adolescents being 1.5 to 2 times higher than in non-myopic individuals.

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