Does wearing UV blocking glasses worsen myopia in children?

Question

I have found this article which claims (for chicken) that blocking outdoors UV light made myopia worse.

Some kids require glasses from a young age, e.g. 6 years old. Most of these glasses do have UV filter on their lenses. Another study claims that the younger the patient is when the onset of myopia the worse their outcome is.

The question: is it possible that the lack of outdoors UV light at a young age causes the worsening of myopia? If so, would glasses with no UV blocker be a better alternative for kids?

Answer 1

TL;DR:

There is some evidence suggesting that UV light exposure might help regulate eye growth and reduce myopia progression, but most research emphasizes the benefits of general outdoor activity rather than isolating UV light. UV blocking glasses are important for protecting against harmful UV radiation and there is no strong evidence that they worsen myopia in children. Encouraging outdoor activities is beneficial for eye health, and using UV protection is crucial to prevent long-term eye damage. Consult with an eye care professional for personalized advice.

The relationship between UV light exposure and myopia (nearsightedness) in children is a topic of ongoing research. Here's a concise overview based on current understanding.

Research on Myopia and UV Light Exposure

1. Animal Studies:

   • Some studies, including the one you mentioned involving chickens, suggest that blocking UV light can contribute to the worsening of myopia. This indicates that UV light might play a role in eye development and health.

2. Human Studies:

   • There is evidence suggesting that outdoor activities can help reduce the progression of myopia in children. One theory is that natural light, which includes UV light, might help regulate eye growth and development.
   • However, direct studies on UV light exposure specifically and its impact on myopia in children are less conclusive. Most research focuses on general outdoor exposure rather than isolating UV light.

UV Blocking Glasses and Myopia

• Protective Role of UV Blocking Glasses:

  • UV blocking glasses are primarily used to protect the eyes from harmful UV radiation, which can cause damage to the eyes over time, including conditions like cataracts and macular degeneration.

• Impact on Myopia:

  • While protecting eyes from UV light is important, there is no strong evidence that UV blocking glasses significantly impact the progression of myopia in children. The benefits of outdoor activity for reducing myopia progression are likely due to a combination of factors, not solely UV exposure.
  • It's worth noting that UV exposure has its risks, and adequate protection is necessary to prevent long-term damage.

Recommendations

1. Outdoor Activity:

   • Encourage children to spend more time outdoors. Studies indicate that increased outdoor time is beneficial in slowing the progression of myopia.

2. Balanced Protection:

   • When outdoors, children should have protection from excessive UV light to prevent other eye conditions.
   • Glasses with UV protection are generally recommended to safeguard against harmful UV radiation.

3. Consult Eye Care Professionals:

   • For children with myopia, it's best to consult with an optometrist or ophthalmologist. They can provide personalized recommendations based on the latest research and the child's specific needs.