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Effect of COVID-19 lockdown on refractive errors in Italian children aged 5-12 years: A multi-center retrospective

Edoardo Trovato Battagliola1, Pietro Mangiantini1, Mattia D'Andrea1

  • 1Department of Sense Organs, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, 9311Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.

European Journal of Ophthalmology
|June 9, 2022
PubMed

Insights

The COVID-19 lockdown significantly increased myopia prevalence in Italian children aged 5-12. Increased near-work and reduced outdoor time are linked to these vision changes.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Pediatric Health
  • Public Health

Background:

  • The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated global lockdowns, altering daily routines.
  • Children's lifestyles, including screen time and outdoor activity, were significantly impacted.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of COVID-19 lockdown measures on myopia prevalence in Italian children.
  • To analyze changes in refractive error (spherical equivalent) in children aged 5-12.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective multicenter study analyzed data from 803 children aged 5-12 in Italy.
  • Spherical equivalent (SE) in the right eye was measured in cycloplegia between 2016 and 2021.
  • Statistical analysis included ANOVA and Chi-square tests to compare pre- and post-lockdown data.

Main Results:

  • A statistically significant decrease in mean spherical equivalent (SE) was observed in 2021 compared to pre-lockdown years (p=0.005).
  • The prevalence of myopia (SE ≤-0.5D) significantly increased (p=0.016), while hyperopia (SE ≥ 2D) decreased (p=0.001).
  • These refractive changes occurred despite comparable mean ages across study groups.

Conclusions:

  • The COVID-19 lockdown is associated with a significant increase in myopia and a decrease in hyperopia among Italian children.
  • Lifestyle changes, including increased near work and reduced outdoor exposure, are likely contributors.
  • Further international research is recommended to confirm these findings.
Abstract

Keywords:
childrencovid19lockdownmyopiamyopizationnear-work

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