Study researchers analyzed data from over 21,000 schoolchildren in Hong Kong and found a significant increase in the prevalence and severity of refractive astigmatism and corneal astigmatism following the COVID-19 pandemic. They noted that both types of astigmatism increased in prevalence and severity, potentially due to prolonged digital device use, reduced outdoor exposure, and increased near work duration. The researchers concluded that these findings warrant dedicated efforts to understand the environmental and lifestyle factors that affect astigmatism to preserve children's eyesight and quality of life.

Source: JAMA Ophthalmology