Fat in the diet influences development of short-sightedness

Dietary fat can somewhat contradictorily both help to prevent, as well as increase the risk of, shortsightedness (myopia) in children.

- 

According to research published online in the British Journal of Ophthalmology, a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, found predominantly in fish oils, may help ward off the development of shortsightedness in children.

However, a high intake of saturated fats, found in foods such as butter and red meat, may boost the risk of the condition.

The global frequency of myopia is rising, especially in East Asia, and it’s predicted that around half of the world’s population will be affected by 2050, note the researchers.

Risk factors are thought to include excessive screen time and too little time spent outdoors, as well as inherited susceptibility, they explain.

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), which can only be obtained from the diet, are thought to improve and/or prevent several chronic eye conditions, including dry eye disease and age-related macular degeneration.

But whether they can help ward off myopia wasn't clear as studies to date have been experimental and haven't included people.

To explore this further, the researchers drew on 1,005 Chinese sixto eight-year-olds, randomly recruited from the population-based Hong Kong Children Eye Study, which is tracking the development of eye conditions and potential risk factors.