Early-life exposure to antibiotics increases the risk of myopia: A retrospective cohort study.

Cohort studyBioMedicine· 2026

Early-life exposure to antibiotics increases the risk of myopia: A retrospective cohort study.

Peng-Tai Tien, Chang-Ching Wei, Sheng-Chun Lin … Lei Wan

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Cataract & RefractiveCohort studyPrognosisQ2IF 3.0

Early-life antibiotic exposure is associated with a higher hazard of myopia.

Early-life exposure to antibiotics increases the risk of myopia: A retrospective cohort study.

Peng-Tai Tien … Lei Wan

BioMedicine · 2026 · Q2 in General Medicine

Background

The prevalence of myopia is increasing worldwide and is projected to affect nearly half of the global population by 2050.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study using data from a national health insurance database.

Results

early antibiotic exposure means a slightly higher risk of developing nearsightedness

AHR by subgroup · 95% CI

More results

Urbanization level, parental monthly income, and comorbidities were independently associated with antibiotic exposure.

The increased risk of myopia persisted irrespective of antibiotic treatment duration (<11 days; aHR = 1.19; 95% CI: 1.15-1.23) or cumulative dose (defined daily dose <2833; aHR = 1.31; 95% CI: 1.28-1.33).

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Conclusion · 1 of 2

Early-life exposure to antibiotics is associated with a higher incidence of myopia in children.

Conclusion · 2 of 2

These findings underscore the importance of cautious and judicious antibiotics prescribing during early childhood to mitigate potential long-term ocular health risks.

Early-life exposure to antibiotics increases the risk of myopia: A retrospective cohort study.

Early-life exposure to antibiotics increases the risk of myopia: A retrospective cohort study.

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