A narrative review has found lower serum vitamin D levels are frequently associated with higher myopia prevalence and longer axial length in paediatric, adolescent, and young adult patients.
But the review authors suggested that this link to vitamin D may primarily reflect outdoor exposure rather than act as an independent causal factor in refractive development.
The review also found that omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) had a likely protective factor against myopia.
Researchers reviewed human studies examining vitamin D, vitamin A, zinc, selenium, omega-3 PUFAs, and refined carbohydrates in relation to myopia development and progression. The search, conducted in January this year, focused on clinical and epidemiologic studies published between 2015 and 2026.
Several observational studies found that patients with myopia had lower serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations compared with non-myopic controls.
… this link to vitamin D may primarily reflect outdoor exposure rather than act as an independent causal factor in refractive development
“Accordingly, assessment of vitamin D status may be relevant in the context of general health, whereas its role in routine myopia prevention or control remains unsupported by current evidence.”
“Among the evaluated dietary components, omega-3 fatty acids appear to be the most promising modifiable nutritional factor. Their potential relevance is supported by biological plausibility, observational data, and emerging genetic evidence, although the magnitude of their effect and clinical significance require further clarification.
Evidence for vitamin A, zinc, selenium, and refined carbohydrates was less consistent. Some studies associated lower serum retinol, zinc, or selenium levels with high myopia, while others found no statistically significant relationship following adjustment for environmental and lifestyle variables.
The researchers emphasised that most available evidence was observational, limiting causal inference and did not suggest vitamin D testing or supplementation for routine myopia prevention or control.
“Overall, the current literature does not support specific nutritional interventions as standalone strategies for myopia control,” wrote Zuzanna Bomze, of the Medical University of Warsaw in Poland, and colleagues.
Reference
Bomze Z, OlęDzka B, Maciejewicz P, et al. The role of vitamin D and selected nutrients in the development of myopia in children and young adults: A narrative review. J. Clin. Med. 2026;15:3781. doi: 10.3390/jcm15103781.
