Regional Heterogeneity in Screen Time and Usage Habits Associated with Insufficient Hyperopic Reserve in Schoolchildren - 9 PLADs, China, 2020-2024.

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS TOPIC?: Insufficient hyperopic reserve serves as a preclinical indicator of myopia development and is influenced by socioeconomic factors and behavioral patterns. However, region-specific risk profiles remain inadequately characterized.

WHAT IS ADDED BY THIS REPORT?: This nationwide investigation demonstrates substantial regional heterogeneity in myopia risk factors. Children residing in low-gross domestic product (GDP) regions exhibit significantly stronger associations between screen time usage and poor screen habits with insufficient hyperopic reserve. This relationship is most pronounced among girls in low-GDP areas.

WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PUBLIC HEALTH PRACTICE?: Public health interventions should prioritize targeted screen use guidance for children, particularly girls in socioeconomically disadvantaged regions, to effectively protect visual health and prevent myopia progression.