[Source-inkl.com]
A recent study published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology has revealed a significant global rise in nearsightedness, or myopia, among children. The research highlights that nearly one in three children worldwide was nearsighted in 2023, which is expected to increase in the coming decades. With projections indicating that almost 40% of children may be affected by 2050, experts are raising concerns about the potential impact on future generations.
Rising Cases of Myopia Linked to Pandemic Lifestyle
The study, which analyzed data from over 5.4 million children across 50 countries, found that the prevalence of myopia increased from 24% in 1990 to nearly 36% in 2023. Researchers point to a combination of environmental and lifestyle factors, including increased screen time and reduced outdoor activities, as potential contributors to the rise in children’s myopia. The COVID-19 pandemic, which forced many children to shift to online learning and spend more time indoors, may have accelerated this trend.
Lockdowns and restrictions during the pandemic led to a marked decrease in outdoor activities, with children spending extended periods in front of screens. This shift in lifestyle, according to the researchers, likely had a negative impact on children’s eye health, particularly in urban areas where the risk of developing myopia was already higher.
Regional Disparities and At-Risk Populations
The study also uncovered notable regional differences in myopia rates, with children in Asia being the most affected. Countries such as Japan, the Republic of Korea, and Russia exhibited some of the highest rates, with nearsightedness affecting 86%, 74%, and 46% of children, respectively. In contrast, Latin America and the Caribbean reported the lowest prevalence, with just under 4% of children affected. In Canada, the figure stood at 17%.
Nearsightedness typically begins in early childhood and tends to worsen as children grow older. Environmental factors, such as urban living and excessive screen time, increase the risk of developing children’s myopia. The study also found that girls were more likely than boys to develop the condition.
Prevention and Solutions for Parents
While the rise in children’s myopia is concerning, researchers emphasize that preventive measures can help reduce the risk. Parents are encouraged to promote eye health by ensuring their children engage in outdoor physical activities and limit their screen time. Additionally, regular eye exams are crucial for early detection and treatment.
The study calls for governments to take action by implementing policies that reduce the burden of excessive homework and after-school tutoring, which can contribute to eye strain. Public health campaigns should also raise awareness about the importance of eye protection for school-aged children.
For children diagnosed with myopia, glasses or contact lenses are the most common corrective measures. As children grow older, surgical options such as LASIK or artificial lens implants may be considered, though these are generally only available to those over the age of 18. Experts stress that myopia is not a disease and does not necessarily require surgical intervention unless it affects daily activities or safety.
In light of these findings, eye health professionals urge parents and governments to prioritize children’s eye care to mitigate the long-term effects of this growing issue.
