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The Association Between Refractive Errors and Breastfeeding in Pakistani Children: A Case-Control Study.
Malab S Balouch1, Muhammad Shahbaz2, Mohammad M Balouch3
1Neurorehabilitation Unit, Charing Cross Hospital London, Imperial College Healthcare Trusts, London, GBR.
Cureus
|August 29, 2022
Summary
Breastfeeding significantly reduces the risk of refractive errors (REs) in children. Exclusively breastfed infants showed a lower likelihood of developing future vision problems, highlighting breastfeeding's protective role.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatrics
- Public Health
Background:
- Refractive errors (REs) are common vision impairments in children.
- Understanding factors influencing RE development is crucial for early intervention.
- Breastfeeding is a key infant nutrition practice with potential long-term health benefits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between breastfeeding and the occurrence of refractive errors in children.
- To identify specific breastfeeding practices that may influence refractive error development.
- To determine the protective role of breastfeeding against refractive errors.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective case-control study involving 200 children aged 5-16 years (106 with REs, 94 controls).
- Data collected via parental interviews on breastfeeding, parental myopia, screen time, and near work.
- Statistical analysis included multivariate regression and chi-square tests to calculate odds ratios (OR).
Main Results:
- Breastfeeding showed a significant association with reduced risk of REs (OR: 27.852, p<0.001).
- Hypermetropia was the most prevalent RE (59.4%).
- Exclusive breastfeeding, irrespective of duration, was linked to a lower likelihood of REs.
Conclusions:
- Breastfeeding plays a significant protective role in preventing refractive errors in children.
- Exclusive breastfeeding is particularly effective in reducing future refractive error risk.
- Further research into the mechanisms behind breastfeeding's protective effect is warranted.
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