Myopia Progression during the COVID-19 Era: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background To evaluate myopia progression during the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and its risk factors. Methods We searched PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science to find literature until August 2022 related to COVID-19 pandemic and myopia progression. Outcomes of myopia progression included axial length (AL) and spherical equivalent (SE). Factors of screen time and outdoor activity time were analyzed. Results Thirty-three studies were included in this meta-analysis. Compared to the same period before the COVID-19 pandemic, myopia prevalence increased (OR = 1.11; 95% CI, 1.05–1.18). The outcomes of SE decreased −0.61 diopter (95% CI, −0.98 to −0.23), and AL increased 0.42 mm (95% CI, 0.13–0.7). Mean screen time was increased 6.25 hours/day (95% CI, 4.84–7.66), and outdoor activity time was decreased −1.52 hours/day (95% CI, −3.20 to −0.15). Conclusion Establishing care policies is necessary to restrict behavioral changes and their consequences during the pandemic.