Effect of Time Outdoors and Near-viewing Time on Myopia Progression in 9-to 11-year-old Children in Chongqing

SIGNIFICANCE We used an Akeso device to record the visual behavior of children with myopia in two learning modes. We found that online class mode may increase near-viewing time and reduce outdoor time compared with the traditional school mode and may be responsible for accelerating myopia progression. PURPOSE We aimed to explore the effects of visual behavior in different learning modes on myopia progression among children 9 to 11 years old. METHODS Forty-nine children were included and requested to use a wearable device to objectively record visual behavior in real time from November 2019 to November 2020; participants took online classes from mid-February to early May 2020 during this period. Data (including glasses-wearing time, outdoor time, and near-viewing time) were collected during two 14-day periods, which included the online class learning mode (March 2 to 15, 2020) and the traditional school mode (May 20 to June 2, 2020). Spherical equivalent refraction and axial length were obtained at baseline, at 6-month intervals, and 1 year later. RESULTS Outdoor time during online class mode (median, 9.5 minutes; interquartile range, 0.75 to 48 minutes) was significantly lower than during the school mode (median, 29 minutes; interquartile range, 11.50 to 50 minutes; P < .001). The mean +/- standard deviation of near-viewing time was significantly different between online class mode (396.58 +/- 114.41 minutes) and school mode (376.52 +/- 93.99 minutes; P = .007, F = 19.56). In comparison with the baseline examination (-2.33 +/- 0.81 D), mean spherical equivalent refraction in oculus dexter corresponding to the 6-month examination was decreased (-2.94 +/- 0.83 D, P = .001), indicating a significant increase in myopia during online class mode. CONCLUSIONS This study provides evidence of the association of learning mode and myopia progression. Accelerated progression of myopia in online class mode may be related to increased near-viewing time and decreased time spent in outdoor activities.