Visual Health in Adolescents: Myopia, Digital Eye Strain, and Environmental Determinants, Volume II

This Research Topic is the second volume. Please see the first volume at: Visual Health in Adolescents: Myopia, Digital Eye Strain, and Environmental DeterminantsVisual disorders, particularly myopia, have become a significant public health concern among adolescents globally, with prevalence rates soaring in recent decades due to modern lifestyle changes. In many urbanized settings, myopia now affects a large share of teenagers, and projections suggest that a substantial portion of the global population may be myopic by mid-century. This trend matters because myopia can increase the risk of serious long-term eye complications, including retinal detachment and glaucoma. Several modifiable behaviors appear to contribute to myopia development and progression. Heavy “near-work” demands such as intensive reading and prolonged use of smartphones, tablets, and computers—combined with sedentary, predominantly indoor routines—are linked to axial elongation of the eye, a key biological change associated with myopia. Environmental and contextual factors also play an important role. Limited exposure to bright outdoor light, rapid urbanization, high population density, and suboptimal classroom lighting can increase risk. Evidence suggests that spending more time outdoors can meaningfully reduce the likelihood that myopia develops, potentially through pathways related to retinal dopamine signaling and higher light intensity outdoors. Other disorders like astigmatism and visual fatigue are similarly influenced, impacting academic performance and quality of life in this vulnerable age group. Digital Eye Strain as a syndrome of vision problems attributable to prolonged viewing of screen-enabled digital devices has shifted to the forefront of research, with numerous professional bodies throughout the world offering prevention guidelines for professionals and the general public, recognizing the negative impact of the syndrome to public health.The escalating incidence of visual disorders in adolescents poses a multifaceted problem, driven by behavioral patterns like prolonged digital device usage and minimal physical activity, compounded by environmental stressors such as urban pollution, inadequate natural light, and intensive educational environments. This not only leads to immediate issues like eye strain and reduced visual acuity but also long-term consequences, including higher healthcare costs and diminished productivity. Adolescents in high-risk settings, such as densely populated cities, face amplified vulnerabilities, with studies linking sedentary behaviors and poor diet to elevated odds of visual impairment. To address this, interdisciplinary interventions are essential: promoting outdoor activities for at least two hours daily, implementing screen time limits, and optimizing school environments with better lighting and ergonomic designs can mitigate progression. Public health campaigns, parental education, and policy changes—such as integrating vision-friendly curricula—offer actionable solutions. This proposal aims to foster research that identifies targeted strategies, ultimately reducing the burden of these disorders and enhancing adolescent well-being through evidence-based prevention and management.This thematic collection focuses on visual disorders in adolescents and young adults, emphasizing the roles of behavioral (e.g., screen time, near-work habits, physical activity) and environmental (e.g., light exposure, urbanization, pollution) variables in their etiology, progression, and mitigation. We invite contributions exploring gene-environment interactions, regional variations, and impacts on mental health or academic outcomes, while excluding purely genetic or adult-focused studies.Key themes include:(1) Risk factor analysis, such as outdoor time's protective effects or digital device's influence;(2) Intervention strategies, like behavioral modifications or environmental redesigns;(3) Epidemiological trends and disparities across socioeconomic or geographic contexts; and(4) Long-term consequences and policy implications.Manuscripts may include original research (empirical studies, cohort analyses, randomized trials) and reviews (systematic, narrative, or meta-analyses synthesizing evidence). Submissions should adhere to journal guidelines, with rigorous methodology and ethical considerations; examples of relevant work include studies on regional myopia prevalence. We encourage diverse, global perspectives to advance this field. Topic editors: Ioanna Mylona, Georgios D Floros Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/84743/visual-health-in-adolescents-myopia-digital-eye-strain-and-environmental-determinants-volume-ii