Air pollution could be harming children’s eyesight, and improving air quality could help preserve – or even enhance – children’s vision, according to a new study.
Researchers have discovered that exposure to lower levels of air pollutants – specifically nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) – is associated with better uncorrected visual acuity in school-aged children.
The findings, published in PNAS Nexus,1 identify air pollution as a modifiable risk factor for childhood myopia.
An international team of scientists from the University of Birmingham in the United Kingdom and three institutions in Tianjin in China, used advanced machine-learning models to integrate environmental, genetic, and lifestyle data.
… this study is among the first to isolate air pollution as a meaningful and modifiable risk factor
The group noted that while genetics and lifestyle factors – such as screen time – play a major part in whether children develop myopia, environmental factors such as air pollution also matter.
They discovered:
- Primary school students were the most sensitive to air quality, showing greater improvements in vision when air pollution levels were lower, and
- Older students and children with high myopia were less affected by environmental changes, with vision outcomes more strongly influenced by genetic factors.
With myopia on the rise globally, the researchers propose practical measures to reduce exposure to air pollutants in children’s daily environments, such as:
- Installing air purifiers in classrooms,
- Creating clean-air zones around schools to limit traffic pollution, and
- Closing streets to vehicles during school drop-off and pick-up times.
Meaningful, Modifiable Risk Factor
“While genetics and screen time are long recognised as contributors to childhood myopia, this study is among the first to isolate air pollution as a meaningful and modifiable risk factor.
“Clean air isn’t just about respiratory health – it’s about visual health too,” said Professor Zongbo Shi of the University of Birmingham, a co-supervisor of the study.
“Our results show that improving air quality could be a valuable strategic intervention to protect children’s eyesight, especially during their most vulnerable developmental years.”
The study suggests that polluted air may harm vision by triggering inflammation and oxidative stress in the eyes, reducing sunlight exposure, and causing chemical changes that alter the eye’s shape – factors that can accelerate the onset of myopia.
References
- Chen X, Dai Y, Yan H, et al. Benefits of clean air for school children’s vision health. PNAS Nexus. 2025 Sep 23;4(9):pgaf279. doi: 10.1093/pnasnexus/pgaf279.
- University of Birmingham, Air pollution is harming children’s eyesight – study (news release, 23 Sept 2025) available at: eurekalert.org/news-releases/1098875?utm_source=chatgpt.com [accessed Sept 2025].
