Astigmatism Up After COVID Restrictions
Researchers identified delayed corneal changes in schoolchildren that emerged after myopia rates had already increased during the pandemic.
-
By
-
Kathryn Wighton
-
May 12, 2026
-
Clinical Scorecard: Astigmatism Up After COVID Restrictions
At a Glance
| Category | Detail |
|---|
| Condition | Astigmatism in children |
| Key Mechanisms | Delayed increases in refractive and corneal astigmatism post-COVID restrictions due to prolonged near work and reduced outdoor time. |
| Target Population | Hong Kong schoolchildren aged 6 to 8 years |
| Care Setting | Academic medical centers |
Key Highlights
- Refractive astigmatism prevalence increased from 25% in 2020 to 35% in 2022-2023.
- Corneal astigmatism prevalence increased from 59% in 2020 to 65% in 2022-2023.
- Mean refractive astigmatism magnitude rose from 0.70 diopters in 2020 to 0.87 diopters in 2022-2023.
- Prolonged digital device use and reduced outdoor activity linked to astigmatism changes.
- Study highlights the need for pediatric eye surveillance post-pandemic.
Guideline-Based Recommendations
Diagnosis
- Use cycloplegic autorefraction and optical biometry for accurate assessment.
Management
- Monitor changes in astigmatism and consider environmental factors influencing ocular health.
Monitoring & Follow-up
- Regular eye examinations for children, especially post-pandemic.
Risks
- Increased odds of refractive and corneal astigmatism associated with pandemic restrictions.
Patient & Prescribing Data
Children aged 6 to 8 years in Hong Kong.
Consideration of parental astigmatism history and environmental factors in management.
Clinical Best Practices
- Encourage outdoor activities to mitigate astigmatism risk.
- Educate families on the impact of screen time and near work on eye health.
- Implement regular screening protocols for early detection of astigmatism.
References
