Myopia

Myopia is a significant and growing public health concern globally, with increasing prevalence observed even in regions like sub-Saharan Africa. Despite this, data on the rate of myopia progression in Nigeria remain limited, particularly in urban settings such as Benin City. Understanding the pattern and rate of myopia progression in this population is critical for guiding clinical management, preventive strategies, and policy interventions. This study aimed to determine the rate and pattern of myopia progression among patients aged 6–25 years attending selected eye clinics in Benin City over a ten-year period. A retrospective observational study design was employed. Clinical records of 300 myopic patients (71.3% females, 28.7% males) from four major eye clinics in Benin City between 2014 and 2024 were reviewed. Data on age, gender, and spherical equivalent refraction (SER) at first and last visits were extracted. Annual myopia progression rates were calculated as changes in SER (diopters per year). Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were conducted using t-tests and ANOVA, with significance set at p < 0.05. The mean age of participants was 15.87 ± 4.75 years. The overall mean annual myopia progression rate was −0.15 D/year. rogression was fastest among younger patients (6–10 years: −0.38 D/year) and slowed with increasing age (p < 0.05). Only 13% of patients showed significant progression (≥ −0.50 D/year). Myopia progressed slightly faster in females (−0.16 ± 0.21 D/year) than males (−0.13 ± 0.13 D/year), but the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.33). Baseline severity influenced progression, with mild myopes showing the highest mean annual change (−0.17 D/year). Myopia progression among patients in Benin City was relatively slow compared with Asian populations but exhibited similar age-related trends, with faster progression in younger individuals. These findings underscore the need for early detection and routine monitoring of refractive changes in children to prevent high myopia and associated ocular complications. The study provides baseline data to inform localized myopia control strategies and public health planning in Nigeria.