Exposure to Air Pollution Linked to Increased Odds of Myopia in Children – Optometry Advisor

Report on the Association Between Air Pollution and Childhood Myopia

Introduction

A recent study published in BMC Ophthalmology reveals a significant association between long-term exposure to air pollution and the risk of developing myopia in children. This finding underscores the urgent need for public health strategies that incorporate environmental factors, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).

Study Overview

1. Population: The study enrolled 23,983 Chinese children (52.2% boys, average age 7.2 years).
2. Exposure Assessment: Long-term exposure to fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) and nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) was measured using three-year average concentrations from the China High Air Pollutants (CHAP) dataset.
3. Health Assessment: Children underwent refraction and visual acuity testing to determine the prevalence of myopia.
4. Data Collection: Questionnaires gathered information on demographics, lifestyle, and visual health.
5. Analysis: Mixed-effects models evaluated the relationship between pollutant exposure and myopia risk.

Key Findings

• An interquartile range (IQR) increase in PM_2.5 exposure was associated with a 63% higher odds of myopia (OR 1.63; 95% CI, 1.14–2.33).
• Non-linear modeling indicated a steep increase in myopia risk at lower PM_2.5 concentrations, followed by a plateau at higher levels (P for non-linearity
• Children in higher PM_2.5 exposure quartiles (Q2-Q4) had substantially elevated odds of myopia compared to the lowest quartile (OR range: 3.30–3.59).
• For NO₂, although the per-IQR association was not statistically significant (OR 0.96; 95% CI, 0.84–1.09), higher exposure quartiles (Q2-Q4) were linked to increased myopia risk (OR range: 1.30–1.58).
• No consistent patterns were observed across sex, grade level, or parental education.
• Results remained robust after adjusting for ozone and alternative exposure windows.

Public Health Implications and Sustainable Development Goals

These findings emphasize the importance of integrating environmental health into childhood vision care strategies, supporting the achievement of multiple SDGs:

• SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being: Strengthening vision screening programs in high-pollution areas to reduce childhood myopia prevalence.
• SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities: Promoting cleaner air initiatives to reduce pollutant exposure among children.
• SDG 4 – Quality Education: Implementing targeted health education for families about the ocular risks of air pollution.
• SDG 13 – Climate Action: Encouraging policies that improve air quality, such as enhancing indoor ventilation and filtration systems.

Recommended Strategies

1. Enhance vision screening efforts in regions with high air pollution levels.
2. Increase public awareness campaigns about the ocular health risks posed by air pollution.
3. Promote safe outdoor activities that minimize exposure to harmful pollutants.
4. Improve indoor air quality through better ventilation and filtration.
5. Deliver targeted health education programs for families and communities.

Study Limitations

• Cross-sectional design limits causal inference.
• Possible exposure misclassification by using school addresses as proxies for pollution exposure.
• Incorporation of province-level effects only, which may overlook local variations.
• Focus restricted to PM_2.5 and NO₂ without considering other pollutants.

Conclusion

This study highlights a critical environmental determinant of childhood myopia, calling for integrated public health interventions that align with the Sustainable Development Goals. Addressing air pollution’s impact on eye health is essential to safeguarding the well-being of future generations.

Reference

Liu K, Luo H, E B, Kuang H, Zhang C, Guo X. Long-term exposure to PM2.5 and NO2 and risk of myopia in Chinese school-aged children: a cross-sectional study. BMC Ophthalmol. Published online January 29, 2026. doi:10.1186/s12886-025-04587-7

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • The article discusses the impact of air pollution on childhood myopia, which is a health issue affecting children’s vision and overall well-being.
   • It emphasizes the need for public health strategies to mitigate risks associated with environmental factors.
2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • The focus on air pollution (PM2.5 and NO2) relates to urban environmental quality and sustainable urban development.
   • Improving air quality in cities is essential to reduce health risks such as myopia in children.
3. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Addressing air pollution aligns with broader climate action goals to reduce emissions and improve environmental health.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
   • Target 3.8: Achieve universal health coverage, including access to quality essential health-care services and health education.
2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including air quality improvements.
3. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning, which includes reducing air pollution.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Indicator for SDG 3.9: Mortality rate attributed to household and ambient air pollution.
   • The article’s data on odds ratios for myopia associated with PM2.5 and NO2 exposure imply measuring health outcomes related to air pollution exposure.
2. Indicator for SDG 11.6: Proportion of urban population exposed to air pollution levels above WHO guidelines.
   • The use of PM2.5 and NO2 concentrations from the China High Air Pollutants (CHAP) dataset corresponds to measuring air quality in urban areas.
3. Indicator for SDG 3.8: Coverage of essential health services including vision screening.
   • The article suggests strengthening vision screening and health education, implying monitoring coverage and effectiveness of such services.
4. Additional implied indicators:
   • Prevalence of childhood myopia in populations exposed to varying levels of air pollution.
   • Public awareness levels regarding air pollution’s ocular risks.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: optometryadvisor.com