AIM:To present incidence, types and determinants of retinal degeneration among children with myopia of ≥3 diopter(D).

METHODS: This case series type of study was conducted during 2010-2011 at an eye hospital in Western Maharashtra, India. Children with high myopia were interviewed to record history of myopia in family members and to collect demographic information. Optometrist evaluated visual and refractive status of each eye. Ophthalmologist examined eyes of children to assess central and peripheral retinal changes. We calculated percentage proportion of eyes with central and peripheral retinal degeneration. We also reviewed the association of family history of myopia, sex, age, religion and grade of myopia with retinal changes. We performed univariate & multivariate analysis.

RESULTS: Eight hundred and forty-seven eyes of 499 children were examined with myopia of ≥ 3 D. In 150 eyes \〖17.7%(95% confidence interval 15.4-20.4)\〗, we found vitreo-retinal degenerative changes. The rate of macular degeneration, posterior scleral staphyloma, lattice degeneration was 2.0%, 4.6% and 18% respectively. Axial length of more than 24 mm was significant risk factor(Adjusted Odd's Ratio=3.88)of vitreo retinal degeneration in eyes with myopia of more than 5 D. The compliance of visual aid was 58.4%. There were 8.8% of the 499 children's vision was less than 6/60 and they could benefit from low vision care.

CONCLUSION: Nearly one fifth of eyes with myopia had vitreo retinal degeneration. High myopia had less vitreo retinal degeneration of serious consequences. Detailed retinal examination of eyes with myopia should be carried out periodically.