Myopia and Ambient Lighting at Night

This report explores a relationship between nocturnal light exposure at ages 0 to 2 years and the later development of myopia. In a retrospective study at a University of Pennsylvania pediatric ophthalmology clinic, the authors reviewed the records of 479 children, ages 2–16 years, seen as outpatients whose parents completed a study questionnaire in 1998 (selection criteria not specified). The study group consisted of 55% males, of whom 70% were Caucasian, and 30% African-American. Children with significant ophthalmologic disorders or a history of prematurity were excluded.

The main focus of the questionnaire was the report by parents that a night light or regular room illumination was used or not used regularly at …