Nearly One in Three Children Worldwide Affected by Nearsightedness: What’s Driving the Increase?

A new study has raised alarms about the deteriorating eye health of children globally, revealing that nearly one in three children was diagnosed with nearsightedness (myopia) in 2023. This troubling trend is projected to worsen, with estimates suggesting that nearly 40% of children could be affected by 2050.

Published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology, the study analyzed data from 276 research studies, encompassing more than 5.4 million children across 50 countries on six continents. The findings show a significant increase in myopia, which jumped from 24% in 1990 to almost 36% last year. Notably, the rise has become more pronounced since the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced many children to adapt to online learning while largely confined indoors.

Impact of Pandemic Lockdowns

Researchers suggest that lockdowns led to reduced outdoor activities and increased screen time, which may have adversely affected children’s eye health. Extended periods spent indoors are correlated with a heightened risk of developing myopia.

Understanding Myopia

Nearsightedness, or myopia, is a condition where distant objects appear blurry while near objects can be seen clearly. According to the Canadian Association of Optometrists, myopia typically emerges in early childhood, often worsening as children transition into adolescence and adulthood. Environmental factors significantly influence susceptibility, with urban children at a greater risk and girls showing higher prevalence rates compared to boys.

Global Prevalence of Myopia

The study highlights regional variations in myopia prevalence. Asia has the highest rates, with approximately 35% of children affected, while Latin America and the Caribbean report figures as low as 4%. Countries such as Japan (86%), South Korea (74%), and Russia (46%) exhibit the highest rates of nearsightedness, whereas Paraguay records the lowest. In Canada, about 17% of children are affected by this condition.

Steps Parents Can Take

To mitigate the risks of developing myopia, parents are encouraged to foster habits that promote eye health. Key recommendations include:

Encouraging Outdoor Activities: Increasing physical activity can help counteract the effects of prolonged screen time.
Limiting Screen Exposure: Reducing the time spent on televisions, video games, and digital devices is essential.
Government Intervention: The study calls for government health departments to implement policies that alleviate the burden of excessive homework and off-campus tutoring on children, emphasizing the importance of regular eye examinations and early detection of vision problems.

In conclusion, with the rising prevalence of myopia among children, it’s crucial for parents and communities to prioritize eye health and implement preventive measures to safeguard future generations.