Myopia and night lighting in children in Singapore

Abstract

Aim - To examine the role of night time lighting and myopia in children in Singapore. Methods - A cross sectional study was conducted on 1001 children in two Singapore schools. Cycloplegic refraction and A-scan biometry measurements were made in both eyes. A detailed questionnaire was completed by the parents to obtain information on night time lighting, near work activity, educational and demographic factors. Results - There was no difference in myopia prevalence rates in children exposed to night time light (33.1%) compared with children who slept in the dark (31.4%) before age 2. In addition, vitreous chamber depth was not related to night light (p=0.58) before age 2. These results remained even after controlling for near work. Conclusion - Myopia is not associated with night light in Asian populations.