Early life exposure to antibiotics increases the risk of myopia: a retrospective cohort study

Authors

• Peng-Tai Tien, Eye Center, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung 40447, Taiwan
• Chang-Ching Wei, Division of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40447, Taiwan
• Sheng-Chun Lin, Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung 406040, Taiwan
• Ping Ping Meng, Eye Center, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung 40447, Taiwan
• Yu-Te Huang, Eye Center, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung 40447, Taiwan
• Jamie Jiin-Yi Chen, Eye Center, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung 40447,Taiwan
• Ming-Yen Wu, Eye Center, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung 40447, Taiwan
• Ying-Hsiu Shih, Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung 406040, Taiwan
• Tzu-Ju Hsu, Management office for Health Data, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40447, Taiwan
• Fuu-Jen Tsai, School of Chinese Medicine, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University,Taichung 40447, Taiwan
• Yao-Chien Wang, Department of Emergency Medicine, Taichung Tzu Chi Hospital, Taichung 42743, Taiwan 25Follow
• Hui-Ju Lin, Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, Asia University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
• Lei Wan, Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, Asia University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan

Abstract

Background

Myopia is a growing health issue, expected to affect nearly half of the global population by 2050. Genetic predisposition and early environmental influences both play crucial roles in the development of myopia. Identifying modifiable risks and early interventions is critical. Antibiotics, commonly given to young children, may disrupt gut microbiota, which has been linked to ocular diseases in humans and animals.

Aim We aimed to investigate the association between antibiotic use in early life and the risk of developing myopia.

Methods Retrospective cohort study using data from a national health insurance database examined children aged three years or younger, prescribed antibiotics. Patients with pre-existing myopia and retinopathy were excluded from the study. The case and control groups were matched based on factors such as sex, age, and several comorbidities.

Results:

Early life antibiotic exposure significantly increases myopia risk (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) =1.03, 95% CI=1.02–1.04) with higher cumulative incidence (log-rank test, P < 0.001). Females (incidence rate (IR)=66.98 vs. 64.10, aHR=1.05) and males (IR=61.53 vs. 59.66, aHR=1.04) in the case group had greater myopia risk than controls. Environmental factors such as urbanization, parental income, and comorbidities were independently influenced antibiotic exposure. Additionally, antibiotics elevated myopia risk regardless of duration (

Conclusion Early antibiotic use may raise myopia risk, emphasizing the avoidance of unnecessary antibiotic use or prescribing them with caution to reduce the incidence of myopia in children.

Recommended Citation

Tien, Peng-Tai; Wei, Chang-Ching; Lin, Sheng-Chun; Meng, Ping Ping; Huang, Yu-Te; Chen, Jamie Jiin-Yi; Wu, Ming-Yen; Shih, Ying-Hsiu; Hsu, Tzu-Ju; Tsai, Fuu-Jen; Wang, Yao-Chien; Lin, Hui-Ju; and Wan, Lei (2026) "Early life exposure to antibiotics increases the risk of myopia: a retrospective cohort study," BioMedicine: Vol. 16 : Iss. 2 , Article 7.
DOI: 10.37796/2211-8039.1666

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