The Role of Vitamin D and Selected Nutrients in the Development of Myopia in Children and Young Adults: A Narrative Review

Abstract

The escalating global prevalence of myopia constitutes a significant public health challenge. This narrative review explores the role of dietary factors, specifically vitamin D and selected nutrients, in its development in children and young adults. Current research underscores a link between low serum vitamin D levels and increased myopia risk. While this association often reflects limited time spent outdoors, vitamin D also appears to exert a direct biological role in regulating ocular growth. The impact of other micronutrients remains ambiguous. Although vitamin A, zinc, and selenium are essential for retinal health and antioxidant defense, human studies regarding their specific capacity to prevent myopia are inconclusive. In contrast, emerging evidence suggests that omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids confer protective benefits against axial elongation. Conversely, diets high in refined carbohydrates are associated with an elevated risk of myopia, likely due to insulin-mediated mechanisms influencing scleral structure. Overall, vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids demonstrate the greatest promise as modifiable protective factors. However, the roles of zinc, selenium, and vitamin A remain inconclusive. Future prevention strategies may benefit from considering nutritional optimization alongside increased outdoor activity as part of a broader strategy of reducing myopia progression.