Symptoms of Depression and Anxiety among Myopes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Br Ir Orthopt J. 2026 Feb 11;22(1):46-56. doi: 10.22599/bioj.500. eCollection 2026.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To assess the prevalence of symptoms of depression and anxiety, as well as associated factors in myopes.

METHODS: Relevant studies were sourced from PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. A meta-analysis was conducted to determine the prevalence of symptoms of depression and anxiety in myopes. Odds ratios (OR) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used to compare psychological symptoms between myopic and emmetropic groups.

RESULTS: A total of six studies assessing the symptoms of depression and anxiety in myopes were included. Prevalence of symptoms of depression and anxiety in myopes are 22.99% (95% CI 16.81% to 30.61%; I 2 = 96.6%) and 26.81% (95% CI 15.62% to 42.01%; I 2 = 98.4%), respectively. Myopes are approximately 46% more likely to suffer from symptoms of depression [OR: 1.46 (95% CI 0.98 to 2.19), I 2 = 72.4%] and are 65% more likely to suffer from symptoms of anxiety [OR: 1.65 (95% CI 1.10 to 2.49), I 2 = 70.4%], as compared to emmetropes. Myopes aged less than 40 years are about 12% more likely to suffer from symptoms of depression [OR: 1.12 (95% CI 0.83 to 1.50), I 2 = 1.5%] and 26% more likely to suffer from symptoms of anxiety [OR: 1.26 (95% CI 1.11 to 1.43), I 2 = 72.5%] than age-matched emmetropes. Myopes aged 40 years and older are almost twice as likely to suffer from symptoms of depression than age-matched emmetropes [OR: 2.02 (95% CI 1.61 to 2.51), I 2 = 0.0%].

CONCLUSION: Integrated eye care approaches are advocated for and should consider the psychological impact of visual impairment. As myopia prevalence rises globally, understanding and mitigating its mental health effects will be crucial for public health.

PMID:41696459 | PMC:PMC12904118 | DOI:10.22599/bioj.500