The world is grappling with a growing crisis as a new global analysis reveals a worsening trend in children’s vision health. According to the report, one in every three children is now either nearsighted or struggles to see distant objects clearly. Researchers attribute this alarming increase to the extended screen time and reduced outdoor activities resulting from COVID-19 pandemic measures.
The study, published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology, warns that myopia, or nearsightedness, is becoming a serious global public health issue that could affect millions of children by 2050.
Highest Rates in Asia
Asia tops the list with the highest prevalence of myopia. Japan and South Korea report that 85% and 73% of their children, respectively, are nearsighted. China and Russia also have myopia rates exceeding 40%. In contrast, Paraguay and Uganda have the lowest rates at around 1%, while the UK, Ireland, and the United States see rates of approximately 15%.
The research involved a comprehensive survey of over 5 million children and adolescents across six continents and 50 countries. Through digital calculations, the study found that from 1990 to 2023, the prevalence of myopia has tripled, reaching 36%. Researchers note that this increase has been particularly pronounced following the COVID-19 pandemic.
Early Onset and Genetic Factors
Myopia typically begins during primary school and tends to worsen until the eyes stop growing, around the age of 20. Factors that significantly increase the likelihood of myopia include living in East Asia, genetic predisposition, and early educational starts, especially in countries like Singapore and Hong Kong where children begin formal education as early as two years old. This results in prolonged periods of close focusing on books and screens, potentially causing eye muscle strain and leading to myopia.
In Africa, where children start school between the ages of six and eight, the incidence of myopia is seven times lower than in Asia.
Impact of the Pandemic
During the global COVID-19 lockdowns, millions were confined indoors, affecting the vision of children and adolescents. The researchers write, New evidence suggests a possible link between the pandemic and accelerated vision decline in the young.
The study predicts that by 2050, myopia could affect more than half of the world’s adolescents. Incidence rates may be higher in girls and young women, who often have less time for outdoor activities during their development, leading to earlier onset of myopia.
Preventive Measures
British ophthalmologists recommend that children spend at least two hours outdoors daily, particularly those aged 7 to 9, to reduce the risk of myopia. It remains unclear whether the presence of natural sunlight, outdoor activities, or focusing on distant objects is responsible for the difference.
Daniel-Hardyman McCartney, a clinical advisor at the UK College of Optometrists, says, Outdoor activity is indeed beneficial for children. He also advises parents to take their children for a vision check between the ages of 7 and 10, even if they had one earlier. Parents should be aware that myopia is hereditary; if a parent is nearsighted, their child’s risk is three times higher than others.
Treatment and Concerns
While myopia is incurable, it can be corrected with glasses or contact lenses. Special lenses can slow the progression of myopia in young children by encouraging the eyes to grow differently, although they are expensive. These special lenses are popular in Asia, where glass classrooms mimicking outdoor learning are also in use.
The high rates of myopia are concerning as they could lead to a surge in eye diseases among the elderly.
Signs of Myopia:
- Difficulty reading text from a distance, such as a school blackboard.
- Sitting close to the TV or computer, or holding smartphones or tablets close to the face.
- Headaches.
- Frequently rubbing eyes.
As the world grapples with this growing health issue, it is crucial for parents, educators, and policymakers to take proactive steps to address the factors contributing to myopia and to promote healthier vision habits among children.
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