Children's Vision from the Dining Table? It's Not Just Smartphones. Small Choices Parents Can Make Starting Today: The Latest Evidence Linking Diet and Children's Myopia

Children's Vision from the Dining Table? It's Not Just Smartphones. Small Choices Parents Can Make Starting Today: The Latest Evidence Linking Diet and Children's Myopia

According to a new study reported by Brazil's InfoMoney, an analysis of 1,005 children aged 6 to 8 in Hong Kong found that higher intake of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, which are abundant in fish oil, is associated with smaller indicators of myopia (such as axial length growth and the degree of myopia). On the other hand, children with a high intake of saturated fats, found in foods like butter, palm oil, and red meat, showed a worsening of indicators linked to myopia. Although causality cannot be confirmed due to the observational nature of the study, the results support the possibility that diet may influence the risk of myopia. The research team also highlighted that outdoor activities, screen time, and genetics are important factors. On social media, reactions such as "increase fish intake," "be cautious with supplements," and "prioritize outdoor play" were prominent. This article provides an overview of the key points of the study, its caveats, practical tips, and the discussions on social media.