Could Diet Help Prevent Myopia?

Dietary patterns linked to myopia risk in large study of Chinese schoolchildren

April 15, 2026
3 min

The Ophthalmologist

Overview

A large cross-sectional study in China suggests that dietary patterns may influence myopia risk in children. Specifically, a diet high in nuts and tubers is associated with a reduced risk of myopia, while a diet high in snacks is linked to increased risk.

Background

Myopia, or nearsightedness, is a growing public health concern, particularly among children and adolescents. Understanding modifiable risk factors, such as diet, could provide additional strategies for myopia prevention. This study explores the relationship between dietary patterns and myopia in a large cohort of young individuals.

Data Highlights

Dietary Pattern	Association with Myopia
Nuts–tubers vegetables	Reduced risk
Snacks	Increased risk
Refined grains–eggs	No significant association

Key Findings

High adherence to the nuts–tubers vegetables dietary pattern is associated with a lower likelihood of myopia.
Children with the highest intake of snacks had a higher likelihood of developing myopia.
The refined grains–eggs dietary pattern showed no significant association with myopia risk.
Dietary patterns identified share features with established healthy diets like DASH and Planetary Health diets.
Study limitations include its cross-sectional design and reliance on parent-reported dietary intake.

Clinical Implications

Healthcare professionals should consider dietary patterns as a potential modifiable factor in myopia prevention strategies. While outdoor activity remains a primary focus, dietary modifications could complement existing interventions.

Conclusion

This study highlights the potential role of diet in myopia risk among children, warranting further investigation through longitudinal studies to establish causality.