Association of sleep traits with myopia in children and adolescents: A meta-analysis and Mendelian randomization study

The association between sleep and myopia in children and adolescents has been reported, yet it remains controversial and inconclusive. This study aimed to investigate the influence of different sleep traits on the risk of myopia using meta-analytical and Mendelian randomization (MR) techniques. The literature search was performed in August 31, 2023 based on PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane library. The meta-analysis of observational studies reporting the relationship between sleep and myopia was conducted. MR analyses were carried out to assess the causal impact of genetic pre-disposition for sleep traits on myopia. The results of the meta-analysis indicated a significant association between the risk of myopia and both short sleep duration [odds ratio (OR) = 1.23, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.08–1.42, P = 0.003] and long sleep duration (OR = 0.75, 95% CI = 0.66–0.86, P < 0.001). MR analyses revealed no significant causal associations of genetically determined sleep traits with myopia, including chronotype, sleep duration, short sleep duration and long sleep duration (all P > 0.05). No evidence was found to support a causal relationship between sleep traits and myopia. While sleep may not independently predict the risk of myopia, the potential impact of sleep on the occurrence and development of myopia cannot be disregarded.