Myopia on the Rise: One in Three Children Now Nearsighted, Study Warns
London, UK – A global analysis has revealed a concerning trend: myopia,or nearsightedness, is rapidly increasing among children, with one in three now experiencing difficulty seeing distant objects. The study, published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology, highlights the potential impact of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions on children’s vision, as increased screen time and reduced outdoor activities have contributed to the alarming rise.
Researchers analyzed data from over 5 million children and adolescents across 50 countries on six continents, spanning from 1990 to 2023. The study found that myopia rates have tripled during this period,reaching 36% globally. This increase has been particularly pronounced since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, researchers say.
New evidence suggests a possible link between the pandemic and accelerated vision decline in young adults, the study authorswrote.
Myopia typically develops during childhood and progresses until the eye stops growing, around the age of 20. While genetics plays a role, other factors contribute to its development, including:
- Early education: Children who start school at a younger age, like those in Singapore and Hong Kong (as young as twoyears old), may spend more time focusing on books and screens, straining their eye muscles and potentially leading to myopia.
- Outdoor time: Children in Africa, where schooling begins later (around ages six to eight), have a seven-fold lower rate of myopia compared to Asian children. This suggests thatspending more time outdoors, particularly during childhood, can significantly reduce the risk of developing myopia.
The study predicts that by 2050, over half of all adolescents globally could be affected by myopia. Girls and young women are at higher risk than boys and young men, as they tend to spend lesstime outdoors during their formative years.
Children should spend at least two hours outdoors each day, especially those aged seven to nine, to lower their chances of developing myopia, said a British ophthalmologist. While the exact reason for this link is unclear, it could be due to the presence of natural sunlight, outdoorphysical activity, or the need for children’s eyes to focus on distant objects.
The study also highlights the alarmingly high rates of myopia in Asia, with Japan and South Korea reporting 85% and 73% of children nearsighted, respectively. China and Russia also have myopia rates exceeding40%. Conversely, Paraguay and Uganda have the lowest rates, at approximately 1%, while the UK, Ireland, and the US each report around 15%.
While myopia cannot be cured, it can be corrected with eyeglasses or contact lenses. Special lenses are also available to slow the progression of myopiain young children by encouraging the eye to grow differently, but these can be expensive. Such lenses are popular in Asia, where glass classrooms that mimic outdoor learning are also being used.
The increasing prevalence of myopia is a cause for concern, as high myopia can lead to a range of eye conditions later in life.
Signs of Myopia:
- Difficulty reading distant text, such as a whiteboard at school
- Sitting close to the TV or computer, or holding phones or tablets close to the face
- Headaches
- Frequent eye rubbing
Parents are encouraged to have their children’s eyes checked by an ophthalmologistbetween the ages of seven and ten, even if they have had their vision tested previously. It is also important to remember that myopia is hereditary, and if a parent is nearsighted, their child is three times more likely to develop the condition.
This study serves as a stark reminder of the importance of promoting healthy visionhabits in children, particularly in an era of increased screen time and reduced outdoor activities. Encouraging outdoor play and regular eye exams can help mitigate the rising tide of myopia and ensure that future generations have the best possible vision.
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