A global analysis reveals that children’s vision problems are worsening, with one in three children now suffering from myopia or difficulty seeing distant objects. According to a study published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology, the prevalence of myopia has more than doubled from 1990 to 2023, reaching 36%. The study, which surveyed over 500,000 children and adolescents from 50 countries across six continents, warns that myopia is becoming a significant global health issue, potentially affecting more than half of the world’s teenagers by 2050.
The study highlights that the prevalence of myopia is highest in Asia, with 85% of children in Japan and 73% in South Korea being myopic. In China and Russia, the rate exceeds 40%. In contrast, the lowest rates are found in Paraguay and Uganda, with approximately 1%, while the United Kingdom, Ireland, and the United States have rates around 15%.
Contributing Factors to Myopia
The study points to several factors contributing to the rise in myopia. Living in East Asia is one of them, with genetic predisposition playing a significant role. Children inherit traits from their parents that increase the likelihood of developing myopia. Additionally, the study notes that in countries like Singapore and Hong Kong, children start formal education at a very young age, around two years old. This early education leads to more time spent focusing on books and screens, causing eye muscle tension and potentially leading to myopia.
In Africa, children start school around six to eight years old, which is seven times less likely to result in myopia compared to Asian children. During the global COVID-19 pandemic, millions of people were confined indoors for extended periods, affecting the vision of children and teenagers. Researchers note that new evidence suggests a link between the pandemic and accelerated decline in vision among young adults.
Impact of Lifestyle and Environment
The study suggests that natural sunlight, outdoor activities, and focusing on distant objects may play a role in reducing the risk of myopia. Dr. Daniel Hardiman-McCartney, a clinical advisor at the College of Optometrists in the UK, advises that children should spend at least two hours outdoors daily, especially between the ages of 7 and 9, to reduce the risk of developing myopia. He also recommends that parents take their children for eye tests at 7 to 10 years old, even if they have previously undergone tests. He emphasizes that if a parent is myopic, their child’s risk of myopia is three times higher than that of others.
Prevention and Treatment
Myopia cannot be cured but can be corrected through glasses or contact lenses. Special lenses can help slow the progression of myopia in young children, although they are expensive. In Asia, these special lenses are widely used, and glass classrooms mimicking outdoor learning environments are also becoming popular.
Future Projections and Concerns
The study predicts that by 2050, myopia rates could affect more than half of the world’s teenagers. Girls and young women may have a higher incidence of myopia than boys and young men, as they tend to engage in less outdoor activity during their growth and development, including puberty. In developing countries, myopia rates could reach 40%, similar to those in developed countries.
Researchers warn that high myopia rates could lead to a significant increase in abnormal eye diseases in older adults.
Symptoms of Myopia
Myopia can be indicated by the following symptoms:
– Difficulty reading distant text, such as school whiteboards
– Sitting close to the TV or computer, or holding mobile phones or tablets close to the face
– Headaches
– Frequent eye rubbing
This comprehensive analysis underscores the need for global action to address the growing myopia epidemic among children and adolescents. It highlights the importance of preventive measures, such as increased outdoor activity, and the potential long-term consequences of untreated myopia.
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