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Br J Ophthalmol 2001;85:527-528 doi:10.1136/bjo.85.5.527
  • Scientific correspondence

Myopia and night lighting in children in Singapore

  1. Seang-Mei Sawa,
  2. Hui-Min Wub,
  3. Ching-Ye Honga,
  4. Wei-Han Chuac,
  5. Kee-Seng Chiaa,
  6. Donald Tanc
  1. aDepartment of Community, Occupational and Family Medicine, National University of Singapore, Republic of Singapore, bDefence Medical Research Institute, Republic of Singapore, cSingapore Eye Research Institute, Republic of Singapore
  1. Dr Seang-Mei Saw, Department of Community, Occupational and Family Medicine, National University of Singapore, 16 Medical Drive, Singapore 117597, Republic of Singaporecofsawsm{at}nus.edu.sg
  • Accepted 14 December 2000

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.

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