Omega-3 Rich Diet Linked to Lower Myopia Risk in children, Study Finds
A new study published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology suggests a link between diet and the development of myopia (nearsightedness) in children.Researchers in China followed 1,005 children aged 6-8 and found that higher consumption of omega-3 rich foods – including algae, walnuts, and fatty fish like salmon, cod, and sardines – was associated with a reduced risk of developing the condition.
Myopia is a growing global concern, projected by the World Health Association (WHO) to affect 50% of the world’s population by 2050. The research highlights the potential for dietary interventions to help curb this trend, while also cautioning against the risks of saturated fats found in ultra-processed snacks. The study showed a 25% higher prevalence of myopia in children who consumed more saturated fats, and faster progression of the condition based on biometric measurements indicating increased axial length (the distance between the cornea and retina).
While diet plays a role, ophthalmologist leôncio Queiroz Neto, executive director of the penido Burnier Institute and a founding member of Abracmo (Brazilian Academy of Myopia and Orthoceratology Control), emphasizes that excessive screen time is a major contributing factor. He notes that one in three children aged 3-5 exceeds the WHO’s recommended limit of one hour of screen time per day, and even younger children are increasingly exposed to screens, possibly hindering speech development.
Queiroz Neto explains that the developing eyes of children up to age 8 are especially vulnerable, as the ciliary muscles responsible for focusing can become strained from prolonged close-up viewing. He further details the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids for overall eye health,including improved tear quality,enhanced blood flow,and support for the sclera – a key component in myopia control,as well as prevention of cataracts and related diseases.
Study Methodology
The research involved a four-step process: assessing the refractive error of all participants, tracking the frequency of consumption of 280 foods across 10 groups thru parental reports, identifying key risk factors for myopia (excessive screen time, limited outdoor activity, family history, age, gender, and sun exposure), and conducting optical biometry to measure axial length.
Ultimately, 27.5% of the participants were found to have myopia.
The researchers acknowledge the observational nature of the study but believe it provides valuable guidance for parents regarding their children’s diets. Queiroz Neto adds that excessive sugar intake is another dietary concern, as it can increase insulin production and potentially interfere with the growth of the optical axis. The WHO recommends limiting sugar consumption to six teaspoons per day to avoid these potential vision-related and overall health consequences.
