Green spaces linked to lower myopia risk in children and adolescents

The global rise in myopia has sparked interest in environmental factors that may help prevent it. A recent review highlights the protective role of green spaces in reducing myopia prevalence among children and adolescents, drawing on epidemiological studies from multiple countries.

The studies used the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) to measure exposure to greenery. There was a strong inverse relationship between green space exposure and myopia risk. For example, a 0.1 increase in NDVI around schools was linked to a 6.3–8.7% decrease in myopia prevalence. Similarly, preschoolers living in areas with high residential greenness within 100 meters of their homes had a 38% lower risk of developing myopia.

The research also showed that urban planning elements, including the size and connectivity of green spaces, play a role in mitigating myopia risk.

Reference
Barnett-Itzhaki G, Barnett-Itzhaki Z, Mezad-Koursh D. The protective role of green spaces in mitigating myopia prevalence. Front Public Health. 2024;12:1473995. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1473995. PMID: 39430709; PMCID: PMC11486636.