Introduction
The decline in children’s vision is a growing concern worldwide, with one in three children suffering from myopia or difficulty seeing objects in the distance. A recent global analysis reveals that the issue is worsening, and the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the situation, as children spend more time on screens and less time outdoors.
The Scope of the Problem
Asia has the highest myopia rates, with Japan and South Korea reporting 85% and 73% of children, respectively, suffering from the condition. China and Russia also have myopia rates exceeding 40%. On the other hand, Paraguay and Uganda have the lowest rates, around 1%, followed by the UK, Ireland, and the US, with rates around 15%.
The study, published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology, investigated over 5 million children and adolescents from 50 countries across six continents. It found that myopia rates have doubled from 1990 to 2023, reaching 36%. This increase was particularly evident following the COVID-19 pandemic.
Factors Contributing to Myopia
Several factors contribute to the rising rates of myopia, including living in East Asia, genetics, and early education. Children in Singapore and Hong Kong, for example, start school at the age of two, spending more time focusing on books and screens, leading to strained eye muscles and an increased risk of myopia. In Africa, where children start school at the age of six to eight, myopia rates are seven times lower than in Asia.
The COVID-19 pandemic has also had a negative impact on children’s vision, as millions of people were forced to spend long periods indoors, reducing their time outdoors and increasing screen time.
Predictions for the Future
Researchers predict that by 2050, myopia will affect more than half of the world’s adolescents. Girls and young women may have a higher incidence of the condition, as they tend to spend less time on outdoor activities during their growth and development. This may be due to the earlier onset of puberty and growth spurts in girls, leading to an earlier onset of myopia.
Prevention and Treatment
British eye experts recommend that children spend at least two hours outdoors daily, especially between the ages of 7 and 9, to reduce their risk of myopia. It is not yet clear whether this is due to the natural sunlight, outdoor exercise, or the children’s focus on distant objects.
Parents are advised to take their children for eye examinations between the ages of 7 and 10, even if they have had previous eye checks. It is also essential to be aware that myopia is hereditary; if a parent has myopia, their child’s risk of developing the condition is three times higher than that of others.
While myopia cannot be cured, it can be corrected through glasses or contact lenses. Special lenses designed to encourage different eye growth can slow the progression of myopia in young children, but they are expensive. These special lenses are popular in Asia, and glass classrooms that mimic outdoor learning are also being used.
Conclusion
The global myopia crisis is a serious health concern that requires immediate attention. By promoting outdoor activities, early detection, and proper treatment, we can help mitigate the impact of this condition on future generations.
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