Prevalence of Myopia in Indian Adults
The prevalence of myopia in Indian adults aged ≥40 years is approximately 28%, with high myopia affecting about 4% of this population.
Adult Population Data (≥40 Years)
The most robust data for Indian adults comes from the Singapore Indian Eye Study (SINDI), which examined middle-aged to elderly Indians:
- Any myopia prevalence: 28.0% (95% CI, 25.8-30.2) in adults over 40 years 1
- High myopia prevalence: 4.1% (95% CI, 3.3-5.0) in the same age group 1
The study included 2,805 adults with complete refractive data and used standardized definitions (myopia as spherical equivalent < -0.50 D, high myopia as < -5.00 D) 1.
Age-Related Pattern
An important finding is the U-shaped relationship between myopia and age, meaning myopia prevalence is higher in younger adults, decreases in middle age, then increases again in older adults 1. This pattern likely reflects both generational differences in myopia development and age-related lens changes.
Risk Factors in Indian Adults
Adults more likely to have myopia include those who are:
- Female 1
- Younger within the adult age range 1
- Taller 1
- Spending more time reading and writing daily 1
- Having astigmatism 1
Comparative Context
The myopia prevalence in Indian adults is similar to Malays but lower than Chinese populations in Singapore, suggesting ethnic and environmental factors play significant roles 1. Among younger Indians (ages 10-40 years) presenting to eye care facilities, myopia was found in 47.4%, though this represents a clinical rather than population-based sample 2.
Future Projections
While current adult prevalence is 28%, the rising prevalence in children (increasing from 4.44% in 1999 to 21.15% in 2019 in urban children aged 5-15 years) suggests future adult cohorts will have substantially higher myopia rates 3. Predictions indicate an overall increase across all age groups of 10.53% over the next three decades due to generational effects 3.