Real-World Evidence (RWE) Study on Burden, Healthcare Resource Utilization, & Cost of Illness Among Patients Diagnosed With Myopia in Germany: Retrospective, Longitudinal, Observational Cohort Claims Data Study

OBJECTIVES: Increased prevalence in myopia significantly affects visual health and quality of life, particularly high myopia, which requires more intensive medical management. This study examines myopia across age groups and compares healthcare resource use (HCRU) and costs between mild/moderate and high myopia patients in Germany.

METHODS: This retrospective, observational study analyzed data from the anonymized WIG2 benchmark database. Myopia patients diagnosed by an ophthalmologist (ICD-10-GM H52.1) between 2018–2022 were classified into mild/moderate and high myopia based on prescription lenses. Age groups included preschool (0-5), primary school (6-9), secondary school (10-17), adults (18-59), elderly (60-75), and geriatric (76+). Propensity score matching ensured balanced comparisons between subgroups for non-ophthalmic-related HCRU, costs, and comorbidities. Matched samples were analyzed for ophthalmic-related HCRU, costs, and ocular comorbidities in 2022.

RESULTS: In 2022, myopia prevalence among secondary school students was 14.99%, with high myopia at 12.33%. Before matching, mild/moderate and high myopia patients had different baseline characteristics. Certain comorbidities were more prevalent in mild/moderate myopia than in high myopia. Analyses were based on the final matched populations. In all age groups, high myopia patients had more ophthalmic outpatient visits, higher costs for these visits, and higher eyewear costs than mild/moderate myopia patients. Among adults, elderly, and geriatric patients, high myopia correlated with higher annual costs for ophthalmic treatments. A higher prevalence of ocular comorbidities, such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, and macular degeneration was observed, especially in the elderly and geriatric populations. Overall, high myopia patients exhibited higher annual HCRU and costs across all age groups, with excess costs for ophthalmic services ranging from €30.96 (secondary school) to €234.20 (geriatric).

CONCLUSIONS: The study highlights the growing burden of high myopia, showing a higher prevalence of related comorbidities and increased HCRU and costs compared to mild/moderate myopia. Results are limited by underreporting of myopia in claims data compared to epidemiological studies.