Air pollution as a risk factor for myopia

A new study published in PNAS Nexus has explored how air pollution affects the vision of young children.

Researchers from Tianjin Medical University and the University of Birmingham used a machine learning framework to assess the benefits of cleaner air for close to 30,000 school-aged children.

Among the children included in the study, they found that lower ambient nitrogen dioxide and fine particle levels were independently associated with better vision – particularly among younger children.

The authors highlighted that the findings suggest air pollution plays a significant and modifiable role in visual development.

“Reducing air pollution exposure in early years could help slow myopia progression, highlighting the importance of early interventions targeting both environmental and lifestyle factors,” the scientists observed.

Professor Zongbo Shi, from the University of Birmingham, shared that the study is one of the first to identify air pollution as a modifiable risk factor for myopia.

“Clean air isn’t just about respiratory health—it’s about visual health too. Our results show that improving air quality could be a valuable strategic intervention to protect children’s eyesight, especially during their most vulnerable developmental years,” he said.

Possible interventions suggested by the researchers include creating ‘clean-air zones’ around schools to reduce traffic pollution, and closing streets to cars during school drop-off and pick-up times.