Overview

• Researchers report in PNAS Nexus that lower ambient nitrogen dioxide and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) are independently associated with better uncorrected visual acuity in school-aged children.
• Primary-school–age children showed the largest vision benefits linked to cleaner air, whereas older students and those with high myopia appeared more influenced by genetic factors.
• The study used an explainable machine-learning framework to account for genetics, screen time, and other lifestyle variables when assessing environmental effects.
• Authors suggest practical steps around schools—such as classroom air purifiers, designated clean-air zones, and temporary street closures at drop-off and pick-up—to reduce exposure.
• Proposed biological pathways include ocular inflammation and reduced sunlight exposure, yet the evidence is observational and the authors call for interventional and longitudinal causal studies.