The impact of computer use on myopia development in childhood: The Generation R study

Publication date: Available online 15 January 2020Source: Preventive MedicineAuthor(s): Clair A. Enthoven, J. Willem L. Tideman, Jan Roelof Polling, Junwen Yang-Huang, Hein Raat, Caroline C.W. KlaverAbstractEnvironmental factors are important in the development of myopia. There is still limited evidence as to whether computer use is a risk factor. The aim of this study is to investigate the association between computer use and myopia in the context of other near work activities.Within the birth cohort study Generation R, we studied 5074 children born in Rotterdam between 2002 and 2006. Refractive error and axial length was measured at ages 6 and 9. Information on computer use and outdoor exposure was obtained at age 3, 6 and 9 years using a questionnaire, and reading time and reading distance were assessed at age 9 years. Myopia prevalence (spherical equivalent ≤–0.5 dioptre) was 11.5% at 9 years. Mean computer use was associated with myopia at age 9 (OR = 1.005, 95% CI = 1.001–1.009), as was reading time and reading distance (OR = 1.031; 95% CI = 1.007–1.055 (5–10 h/wk); OR = 1.113; 95% CI = 1.073–1.155 (>10 h/wk) and OR = 1.072; 95% CI = 1.048–1.097 respectively). The combined effect of near work (computer use, reading time and reading distance) showed an increased odd ratio for myopia at age 9 (OR = 1.072; 95% CI = 1.047–1.098), while outdoor exposure showed a decreased odd ratio (OR = 0.996; 95% CI ...
Source: Preventive Medicine - Category: International Medicine & Public Health Source Type: research