Myopia Scientific Research & Citations

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, pediatric eye specialists have observed a sharp rise in early-onset myopia (nearsightedness) in children. Growing evidence points to screen time, indoor confinement, and reduced outdoor activity as major contributors.

This page features a curated list of scientific studies, expert insights, and parent-friendly tools that guided the development of our Myopia Awareness Campaign for Hawai‘i Island—including the posters, handouts, and outreach materials shared with local families.

These resources highlight outdoor play and early intervention as key strategies for slowing the progression of childhood myopia.

Key Clinical Studies on Outdoor Time & Myopia Prevention

• Rose, K.A. et al. (2008) Outdoor activity reduces the prevalence of myopia in children Ophthalmology, 115(8), 1279–1285 🔗 Read the study

• Wu, P-C. et al. (2020) Outdoor activity during class recess reduces myopia onset and progression in school children Ophthalmology 🔗 Read the study

• Read, S.A. et al. (2014) Light exposure and eye growth in children Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, 55(10), 6779–6787 🔗 Read the study

• World Health Organization (2015) The Impact of Myopia and High Myopia: WHO–Brien Holden Vision Institute Report 🔗 Full Report

🔬 Myopia Surge Post-COVID

• Myopia Pandemic: Epidemiology, Risk Factors, and Prevention Missouri Medicine, 2021 🔗 View article

• Impact of COVID-19 on Myopia Progression in Children: Systematic Review Cureus, August 2022 🔗 Read study

• Myopia Progression During Home Confinement Journal of Optometry, January 2024 🔗 View study

• Lifestyle Changes & Myopia Incidence in School Children British Journal of Ophthalmology, Nov 2022 🔗 Read study

🧪 Recent Publications & Medical Consensus

• Myopia Control in Children American Academy of Ophthalmology, May 2024 🔗 Link

• Evidence-Based Myopia Control: Are We Ready? PMC, May 2024 🔗 Link

• Systematic Review of Myopia Control Interventions (RCTs, 2019–2021) March 2023 🔗 Link

🌞 Outdoor Light, Eye Growth & Prevention

• Myopia Prevention & Outdoor Light Study A Taiwan-based RCT showing that 200+ minutes/week of outdoor time at ≥1000 lux slows myopia progression. 🔗 Link

• Myopia Risk and Reading Environment Studies in Nature show that heavy near work and lack of outdoor time increase risk. 🔗Link

• NIH: Reading & Visual Health Government-funded studies connecting visual behaviors and long-term outcomes. 🔗Link

📎 Tools, Resources & Parent-Friendly Info

• American Academy of Ophthalmology – Myopia Resources Info on screen time, prevention tips, and treatment guidance. 🔗 Visit AAO Myopia Hub

• Myopia Profile: Managing Myopia Guidelines In-depth info for parents and providers. 🔗 View Guidelines

• MyKidsVision Practical myopia tools and explainer videos for parents. 🔗 mykidsvision.org

• MyMyopia Parent Resources Visual handouts and explainer infographics. 🔗 View Tools

• Honolulu Eye Clinic – Myopia Tools Tools and guidance tailored to Hawai‘i families. View Myopia Management or take the Myopia assessment (short quiz).

🧑‍⚕️ Local Expert Spotlight: Dr. Rupa Wong, MD

At the April 2024 AAPOS Conference, 7 research presentations covered myopia control — including one by local pediatric ophthalmologist Dr. Rupa Wong. Hawai‘i-based practices are increasingly focused on myopia control as a core service offering. Visit Dr. Wong’s page to get more resources on Myopia. Read her blog and resources here.