Green Space Morphology and Myopia Study

A recent prospective cohort study has revealed a compelling association between green space morphology and the risk of myopia among primary school students aged 6 to 9 years in China. Led by Dr. Haotian Lin and colleagues at the State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center and published in JAMA Ophthalmology, the study investigated the impact of specific landscape characteristics on the prevalence and progression of myopia among young children.

The analysis, leveraging high-resolution satellite images, discovered that well-arranged and larger green spaces with better connectivity, increased aggregation, reduced fragmentation, and closer proximity between patches were linked to a slower progression of myopia in school-aged children.

With estimates indicating a projected surge in myopia cases globally, particularly among children, this study emphasizes the significance of environmental factors in combating the escalating prevalence of myopia. The research suggests that strategic planning and design of green spaces may significantly influence the visual health of school-aged children, especially in rapidly urbanizing regions like China.

Study Details

• 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