Prevalence and Risk Factors of Pseudo-Myopia among Medical Students at Delta University for Science and Technology: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Pseudo-myopia is a transient refractive condition caused by accommodative spasm and is commonly associated with prolonged near-work activities such as reading and digital screen use. Although its prevalence has been widely studied among children, limited data are available regarding its frequency and contributing factors among university students, particularly those in medical fields. Aim: This study aims to assess the prevalence of pseudo-myopia and examine its association with near-work exposure among medical students at Delta University. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 234 medical students at Delta University for Science and Technology between May 4th and 6th, 2025. Participants completed a validated, structured questionnaire assessing visual symptoms and near-work exposure. Refractive error was measured using an auto-refractometer both before and after cycloplegia, which was induced using cyclopentolate 1%. Pseudo-myopia was defined as a spherical equivalent shift of ≥+0.50 diopters following cycloplegia. Results: The mean age of participants was 20.7 ± 1.9 years, with an approximately equal gender distribution. The mean unaided visual acuity was 0.42 ± 0.36. A significant cycloplegic shift was observed in both eyes (+0.73 ± 0.73 D). A strong positive correlation was found between pre- and post-cycloplegic refractions (r = 0.925, p < 0.0001). Additionally, a significant inverse correlation was observed between the number of near-work hours and the magnitude of the cycloplegic shift. Conclusion: This study reveals a high prevalence of pseudo-myopia among medical students, significantly linked to prolonged near-work. Findings highlight the need for cycloplegic refraction to avoid over-prescription of minus lenses, which may worsen accommodative strain. These results support the importance of accurate refractive assessment in young adults and call for longitudinal studies to explore the long-term impact on myopia progression.