A global analysis has revealed that one in three children is now short-sighted, unable to see distant objects clearly. This trend is raising concerns among health experts, who link the rise in myopia to factors such as increased screen time and decreased outdoor activity during Covid lockdowns.
The study warns that myopia is a growing global health issue, with projections indicating that millions more children will be affected by 2050. The highest prevalence rates are found in Asia, where 85% of children in Japan and 73% in South Korea are short-sighted, along with over 40% in China and Russia. In contrast, countries like Paraguay and Uganda report myopia rates as low as 1%, while the UK, Ireland, and the US sit at around 15%.
Published in the *British Journal of Ophthalmology*, the research examined data from more than five million children and teenagers across 50 countries. The findings revealed that the incidence of short-sightedness tripled from 1990 to 2023, reaching 36%. Researchers noted a particularly significant increase following the Covid pandemic.
Myopia typically begins in primary school years and tends to worsen until around age 20 when the eye stops growing. Several factors contribute to the likelihood of developing myopia, including geographic location and genetics. For example, in East Asia, where children often start formal education as early as age two, there is a higher incidence of myopia due to increased focus on screens and reading at a young age. In contrast, myopia is seven times less common in Africa, where formal schooling generally begins between ages six and eight.
The study indicates that girls are more likely to be short-sighted than boys, likely due to differences in outdoor activity levels and the timing of puberty, which can affect vision.
With the ongoing rise in myopia rates, researchers predict that by 2050, more than half of teenagers worldwide could be affected. They emphasize the need for preventive measures, such as ensuring children spend at least two hours outdoors each day, particularly between ages seven and nine. While the exact reason for this outdoor benefit remains unclear, experts suggest it may relate to natural light exposure and focusing on distant objects.
Daniel Hardiman-McCartney, a clinical adviser from the UK College of Optometrists, stresses the importance of regular eye tests for children, especially if there is a family history of myopia. Although myopia cannot be cured, it can be managed with glasses or contact lenses. Special lenses designed to slow the progression of myopia are also available, though they tend to be more expensive.
High rates of myopia are concerning due to the potential for unusual eye conditions in older age. Parents are advised to watch for signs of myopia, which can include difficulty reading distant text, sitting too close to screens, frequent headaches, and excessive eye rubbing.
This news is based on a report by Philippa Roxby for BBC News, published on September 25, 2024.
