A comparative analysis of intelligence, grades, and lifestyle in myopic vs. non-myopic Karachi students

Abstract

Objectives: To compare intelligence levels, academic grades and demographic, family, social and academic factors between myopic and non-myopic undergraduate students.

Method: The analytical, prospective, cross-sectional study was conducted from June 2023 to April 2024 at Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, and comprised undergraduate students from medical, dental and allied health sciences programmes. Data was collected using a subject evaluation proforma, and was analysed using SPSS 21.

Result: Of the 302 subjects, 233(77.2%) were females and 249(82.4%) were aged 19-21 years. The frequency of myopia was 172(57%). There were no significant differences in grade point average, intelligence quotient, gender and blood group (p>0.05) between myopic and non-myopic subjects. Paternal myopia showed a significant trend towards positive association with myopia (p=0.084). Although not significant, myopic students tended to study more (p=0.904). No significant differences were found in time spent on computers (p=0.127), mobile phones (p=0.802), outdoor activities (p=0.778) and sleep duration (p=0.673).

Conclusion: The study found no significant association of myopia with cognitive ability or academic success among university students.

Key Words: Myopia, Intelligence, Academic achievements.