Research

Exposure to secondhand smoke (SHS) is associated with childhood myopia, according to a cross-sectional study involving 12,630 children aged 6 to 8 years. The study found that SHS exposure was linked to greater myopic refraction, longer axial length, a higher likelihood of developing moderate and high myopia, and earlier myopia onset. The association was stronger in cases of higher exposure and younger age. These findings highlight the importance of eliminating SHS exposure for myopia prevention, especially among families with young children. Myopia is a significant public health concern, particularly in East Asia, and is associated with sight-threatening complications. Previous studies have shown varied associations between SHS exposure and myopia, but this research sheds light on the potential health hazards of SHS for children's eyes and vision, calling for further exploration and consideration in public health policies.