Green Space landscape Linked to Reduced Risk of Myopia in School going Children

• Baseline Population: The study initially assessed 138,735 students, with a follow-up of 115,350 (83.1%) after 2 years.

• Association with Myopia: The study found that higher proportions, aggregation, and increased cohesion of green spaces were linked to a slower increase in school myopia rates.

• Green Space Morphology Index: A 1-unit increase in this index, reflective of specific green space characteristics, showed a significant association with lower changes in myopia prevalence (-1.7%) at the school level and reduced myopia incidence (-9.8%) among students without myopia at baseline.

The researchers highlighted the importance of considering not just the presence but also the morphology and distribution of green spaces in urban planning to potentially mitigate the progression of myopia. These findings underscore the potential role of landscape design in promoting eye health among children.

Dr. Lin and colleagues' study delves into a novel perspective, emphasizing the importance of green space morphology in mitigating the risk of myopia among school-aged children. The research underscores the need for urban planning strategies that prioritize well-designed green spaces to counter the growing prevalence of myopia.

Reference:

Yang Y, Liao H, Zhao L, et al. Green Space Morphology and School Myopia in China. JAMA Ophthalmol. Published online January 04, 2024. doi:10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2023.6015