The Claim
Axial length growth in 12-year-old children is significantly higher during winter months than during summer months, with 77% of eyes exhibiting growth in winter compared to 22% in summer, indicating that seasonal variations in daylight exposure are associated with differences in eye development rates in temperate climates.
What the research says
Supports is higher
Support is ahead, but a single strong opposing study can change this.
These are independent scores, not a percentage. Higher-grade studies count more, so a single strong opposing study can outweigh several weaker ones.
In 12-year-old children, the eyeball grows longer in winter than in summer, with most eyes showing growth during winter months and fewer during summer months in regions with large seasonal changes in daylight.
See the scientific wording
Axial length growth in 12-year-old children is significantly higher during winter months compared to summer months, with 77% of eyes showing growth in winter versus 22% in summer, suggesting seasonal variations in eye development may contribute to myopia progression in temperate climates with marked daylight reduction.
When there is less sunlight, the retina releases less dopamine, which causes the outer layer of the eye to become softer and stretch out, making the eye longer and more nearsighted.
What the research says
1 studyStudy: Myopia Progression Risk: Seasonal and Lifestyle Variations in Axial Length Growth in Czech Children
In winter, most kids' eyes grew longer than in summer, and this might be because there's less sunlight in winter, which could make nearsightedness worse. The study saw this pattern clearly in 12-year-olds.
Score breakdown, mechanism chain, raw evidence, ideal studies needed & 1 supporting studies
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.