Myopia and night lighting in children in Singapore

Br J Ophthalmol. 2001 May;85(5):527-8. doi: 10.1136/bjo.85.5.527.

Abstract

Aim: To examine the role of night time lighting and myopia in children in Singapore

Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted on 1001 children in two Singapore schools. Cycloplegic refraction and A-scan biometry measurements were made in both eyes. A detailed questionnaire was completed by the parents to obtain information on night time lighting, near work activity, educational and demographic factors.

Results: There was no difference in myopia prevalence rates in children exposed to night time light (33.1%) compared with children who slept in the dark (31.4%) before age 2. In addition, vitreous chamber depth was not related to night light (p = 0.58) before age 2. These results remained even after controlling for near work.

Conclusion: Myopia is not associated with night light in Asian populations.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Anterior Chamber
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Circadian Rhythm
  • Cohort Studies
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Lighting / adverse effects*
  • Logistic Models
  • Male
  • Myopia / epidemiology
  • Myopia / etiology*
  • Prevalence
  • Reading
  • Refraction, Ocular / physiology
  • Statistics, Nonparametric
  • Vitreous Body