When 2 Epidemics Collide—COVID-19 and Myopia

The quest for safe and effective myopia control in children

“…An axial length trajectory publication suggested identifying those with a greater risk of developing pathological myopia. 8,9 Axial length is now recommended as the main outcome measurement in myopia intervention clinical trials. 10 Its use should be critical in clinical practice as well.…”

Shifting landscapes: The environmental impact of urbanisation on childhood myopia, obesity and diabetes

“…The COVID-19 epidemic challenged this idea, making us realise the vulnerability of our lifestyles with pandemic control measures, including school closures, remote learning and home confinements, accelerating the previously rising childhood trends in obesity, 12 diabetes 13 and myopia. 14 Mackey and Lee 15 and Rosenfield 16 synthesised the impact of colliding pandemics (myopia and COVID-19) and the consequences of strict lockdowns on childhood myopia progression. The Generation R Study revealed that despite an 'intelligent lockdown' allowing time outdoors, Dutch teenagers spent longer on screens and near work activities, which persisted postpandemic.…”

“…Evidence is required to promote safe myopia prevention with a future of well-illuminated study and play. 15 It is well established that children must spend time outside, and improved lighting in school surroundings is critical. Fortunately, access to green space in an urban setting protects against myopia, 40 obesity 41 and diabetes, 42 depending on the time in contact with nature.…”

“…Mackey and Lee 15 and Rosenfield 16 synthesised the impact of colliding pandemics (myopia and COVID‐19) and the consequences of strict lockdowns on childhood myopia progression. The Generation R Study revealed that despite an ‘intelligent lockdown’ allowing time outdoors, Dutch teenagers spent longer on screens and near work activities, which persisted postpandemic 17 .…”

“…There are numerous approaches for managing myopia, but identifying factors that delay its development and moderate its advancement will be crucial to minimising its accelerating global prevalence. Evidence is required to promote safe myopia prevention with a future of well‐illuminated study and play 15 …”