Association of Forward Head Posture with Myopia Among Medical Students

Abstract

Background: Myopia and forward head posture are common problems among university students and may coexist because of prolonged near work, screen exposure, and poor study ergonomics. The interaction between visual strain and cervical postural adaptation is clinically relevant in medical students, who are frequently exposed to sustained academic demands. Objective: To determine the association between forward head posture and myopia among medical students. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted over six months using non-probability convenience sampling. Eighty-five medical students aged 20-35 years with at least four hours of daily near-vision activity were assessed. Data were collected using the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire-25 and the New York Posture Rating Chart. Participants with ocular surgery, trauma, major ocular disease, systemic illness, or psychiatric conditions affecting posture or vision were excluded. Statistical analysis was performed in SPSS version 26 using descriptive statistics and the chi-square test. Results: The mean age of participants was 23.91 ± 2.25 years. Females comprised 75.3% of the sample. Forward head posture was present in 54.1% of participants, and myopia was reported in 54.1%. Cross-tabulation showed that all participants with forward head posture were myopic, whereas none without forward head posture were myopic. This association was statistically significant (χ² = 85.00, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Forward head posture was significantly associated with myopia among medical students in this sample. These findings support the importance of integrating postural screening and visual health awareness in academically demanding environments, although larger and methodologically rigorous studies are needed to confirm the magnitude of this association.