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 et al. · BioMedicine · 2026
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).
“
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.