Comparison of Myopic Progression before, during, and after COVID-19 Lockdown

Chang, Pingjun; Zhang, Bing; Lin, Lei; Chen, Ruru; Chen, Siping; Zhao, Ying‐Zheng; Qu, Jia

doi:10.1016/j.ophtha.2021.03.029

Cited by 74 publications

(106 citation statements)

References 6 publications

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“…Visual fatigue can alter the refractive state in a partially reversible manner. Chang et al reported accelerated myopic progression during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown in children and teenagers, which was partially reversed after lockdown, suggesting that both accommodative spasm and structural changes contributed to this accelerated rate ( 32 ). However, digital eye strain is a result of the current restriction measures that have led to an imposed home confinement ( 33 ).…”

Section: Possible Effects Of Web-based Online Learning On Visual Functionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Online Learning-Related Visual Function Impairment During and After the COVID-19 Pandemic

Fan

Wang

Kong

et al. 2021

Front. Public Health

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This study aimed to review the consequences of increased online learning, which was precipitated by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), on visual function, as well as the methods for preventing the associated visual impairment. The recent finding implies that a higher incidence of myopia may be observed during the pandemic than that before. The myopia prevalence was 59.35% in COVID-19, which was higher than that in the normal period. COVID-19-related influence of developing myopia among students should be addressed and under control. Online learning precipitated by COVID-19 is likely to increase the global burden of visual function impairment. This review highlighted useful measures to prevent online learning-related visual function impairments, including the following: (1) desktop illumination of no >300 lx, online learning time for primary, and middle-school students of no more than 20–30 min per session; (2) daily video time for preschool children not exceeding 1 h, and for school-age children and adolescents not exceeding 2 h; (3) after every 30–40 min of online learning, moving eyes away from the screen or closed for 10 min; (4) engaging in outdoor activities for ≥ 2 h a day; (5) suitable screen and learning environment settings and correct postures for reading and writing; (6) sufficient sleep and proper nutrition. Preventing online learning-related visual impairment during and after this unprecedented pandemic will facilitate future ophthalmic practice.

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Section: Possible Effects Of Web-based Online Learning On Visual Functionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Online Learning-Related Visual Function Impairment During and After the COVID-19 Pandemic

Fan

Wang

Kong

et al. 2021

Front. Public Health

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show abstract

“…During this COVID-19 pandemic, toddlers, children and teenagers alike are exposed to unprecedented amounts of indoor time, sparking concerns over an ever more severe myopia boom. [265][266][267][268] Notwithstanding these peculiar circumstances, today there is a need for consensus on optimal, feasible and noninvasive light interventions for myopia prevention in children be it through increased time outdoors or adapted architectural lighting or light-therapy devices.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Light and myopia: from epidemiological studies to neurobiological mechanisms

et al. 2021

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Myopia is far beyond its inconvenience and represents a true, highly prevalent, sight-threatening ocular condition, especially in Asia. Without adequate interventions, the current epidemic of myopia is projected to affect 50% of the world population by 2050, becoming the leading cause of irreversible blindness. Although blurred vision, the predominant symptom of myopia, can be improved by contact lenses, glasses or refractive surgery, corrected myopia, particularly high myopia, still carries the risk of secondary blinding complications such as glaucoma, myopic maculopathy and retinal detachment, prompting the need for prevention. Epidemiological studies have reported an association between outdoor time and myopia prevention in children. The protective effect of time spent outdoors could be due to the unique characteristics (intensity, spectral distribution, temporal pattern, etc.) of sunlight that are lacking in artificial lighting. Concomitantly, studies in animal models have highlighted the efficacy of light and its components in delaying or even stopping the development of myopia and endeavoured to elucidate possible mechanisms involved in this process. In this narrative review, we (1) summarize the current knowledge concerning light modulation of ocular growth and refractive error development based on studies in human and animal models, (2) summarize potential neurobiological mechanisms involved in the effects of light on ocular growth and emmetropization and (3) highlight a potential pathway for the translational development of noninvasive light-therapy strategies for myopia prevention in children.

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“…Myopic progression was reversed partially half a year after the lockdown, which can be explained, as they speculate, by accommodative spasms during the lockdown, which is caused by decreased indoor time, increased digital screen time, and limited indoor space. They also found that younger participants are more susceptible to myopic progression during a lockdown, which they explain by two possible hypotheses: younger children had more restricted indoor time during the lockdown and they may be more sensitive to lifestyle changes during the lockdown (35). A study in Spain investigated the impact of in-house quarantine during the COVID-19 pandemic on the vision of school-aged children.…”

Section: Visual Implications Of Digital Screen Time Near Work and Outdoor Time Before And During The Covid Eramentioning

confidence: 99%

Digital device overuse during the COVID-19 pandemic and visual impairment among children: Is there a risk for long-term effects?

Detanac¹

2021

Sanamed

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Global school closures and home quarantine caused by the COVID-19 pandemic increases digital screen time and the overall time spent on near work while decreasing outdoor time especially among school-going children, which can cause serious factors associated with asthenopia, refractive errors, low visual acuity, and accommodative insufficiency. Professionals believe that ophthalmologists now have an opportunity to draw attention to the problem, raise awareness among parents, children, and teachers, and eventually influence policymakers to develop strategies that will help children and students as well as parents and relevant institutions to deal with this issue even beyond the pandemic. Prompt implementation of adequate public and school policies and eye care services globally, effective planning of public health measures for prevention and treatment of myopia must be part of the crucial measures in the future. The consequences of widespread acceptance of digital devices in all spheres of public life by affecting visual function also affect learning, school performance, development of children, and thus their future.

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Comparison of Myopic Progression before, during, and after COVID-19 Lockdown

Cited by 74 publications

References 6 publications

Online Learning-Related Visual Function Impairment During and After the COVID-19 Pandemic

Online Learning-Related Visual Function Impairment During and After the COVID-19 Pandemic

Light and myopia: from epidemiological studies to neurobiological mechanisms

Digital device overuse during the COVID-19 pandemic and visual impairment among children: Is there a risk for long-term effects?

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