Neuroeconomics and myopia prevention: A framework for public health intervention

Aims to outline the application of neuroeconomics in paediatric myopia prevention, offering a framework for designing public health interventions that target decision-making mechanisms such as intertemporal choice, social preferences and neurohormonal regulation. We synthesized theories and empirical evidence from neuroeconomics, psychology and neuroscience. Multimodal approaches-including behavioural tasks (e.g. delay discounting, Ultimatum Game), functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), pupillometry and salivary assays-were used to evaluate how interventions influence neurocognitive processes. Neuroeconomic research reveals that myopia-related behaviours involve neural competition between impulsive and regulatory systems, temporal discounting of future rewards and modulation by social norms and neurohormones (e.g. dopamine, oxytocin). Intervention strategies incorporating immediate incentives, social normative feedback, environmental nudges and reduced cognitive effort show potential in promoting outdoor time and behaviour change. Neuroeconomics provides a novel framework for myopia prevention by targeting neural computation mechanisms. Future research should focus on cross-cultural and developmental validation while addressing ethical and implementation challenges to advance precise and equitable public health strategies.