Myopia is one of the leading causes of visual impairment worldwide, typically beginning during the school-age years. Several factors contribute to its development, including environmental influences, excessive use of digital devices, and limited outdoor activities. The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of myopia and associated factors among school-aged children and adolescents in rural areas of southern Morocco. A cross-sectional study was conducted between November 2022 and January 2023, involving 342 participants, with a majority of boys (54.4%) and a mean age of 13 years. Data were collected using a questionnaire that gathered sociodemographic and vision-related information, followed by a vision test to determine myopia status using cycloplegic autorefraction. The results revealed a relatively low prevalence of myopia (11%, 95% CI: 7.8%-14.4%). Multivariate logistic regression showed that a screen-watching distance less than 35 cm was significantly associated with an increased risk of myopia (OR = 1.89; 95% CI: 1.02-3.47; p = 0.042). The majority of participants (98%) reported spending at least two hours outdoors daily, and the average daily use of digital devices was 30 minutes. Interestingly, the majority of participants (72%) maintained a screen viewing distance of ≥35 cm, which was found to be associated with myopia (p = 0.04). This may reflect a behavioral adaptation rather than a direct causal relationship. Overall, the study suggests that the low prevalence of myopia in this population may be attributed to high exposure to daylight and limited use of digital devices. These findings underscore the potential protective role of outdoor activities and highlight the need for further research to better understand the factors influencing myopia development in rural populations.

Ensuring a high level of adherence to wearing spectacles is essential to preserve eye health and achieve optimal vision correction. Comprehending the factors influencing adherence to wearing spectacles can inform strategies to improve eye care outcomes. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and factors influencing adherence to wearing spectacles among Moroccan adults residing the Beni-Mellal Khenifra region. A cross-sectional interview survey was conducted involving 389 adult spectacle wearers. Participants were recruited through a multilevel random sampling technique and interviewed using a structured questionnaire. This questionnaire collected data on demographics, spectacle prescription, usage patterns, and barriers to compliance. Compliance was assessed based on self-reported frequency and duration of spectacle wear according to the prescription. Possible factors influencing the wearing of spectacles were investigated using both univariate and multivariate regression models. This study revealed that 57.6% of participants adhered to the recommended use of spectacles. Factors associated with compliance were higher education level, longer duration of spectacle use, awareness about the importance of spectacle wear, absence of a family history, specific refractive error types, and increased severity of refractive errors. Participants reported various reasons for not adhering to the recommended use of spectacles, with the most common being forgetfulness, perceiving improved vision without spectacle, discomfort while wearing spectacle, difficulty adapting to spectacle, and loss of spectacle. Given the high prevalence of non-compliance to spectacle wear among adults in the Beni-Mellal Khenifra region, it is evident that additional efforts are required to improve understanding and education regarding the advantages of consistent spectacle usage. Targeted educational and awareness initiatives have the potential to substantially enhance adherence rates and consequently improve visual health outcomes in the region.