London, England – A recent global analysis suggests that children’s eyesight is deteriorating, with one in three now experiencing short-sightedness or difficulty seeing objects in the distance clearly. The study warns that the rise in myopia among children is a growing global health concern, with Covid lockdowns exacerbating the issue as screen time increased and outdoor activities decreased.
The research, published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology, examined data from over five million children and teenagers across 50 countries on six continents. Findings show that short-sightedness has tripled between 1990 and 2023, reaching 36%. The rates are particularly high in Asia, with 85% of children in Japan and 73% in South Korea affected.
Factors such as genetics and early exposure to screens and books play a role in the development of myopia, with children in East Asia starting formal education at a young age being more susceptible. The study also indicates that girls are more likely to be short-sighted than boys, with the trend starting at an early age due to differences in growth and development.
During the Covid lockdowns, children and teenagers around the world experienced accelerated vision deterioration due to prolonged periods spent indoors. By 2050, more than half of teenagers globally could be affected by myopia, with rates expected to be even higher among girls and women.
To protect children’s eyesight, experts recommend spending at least two hours outdoors daily, particularly between the ages of seven and nine. Furthermore, regular eye tests, especially between the ages of seven and 10, are crucial in early detection of vision issues. It is also advised for parents to be aware that myopia tends to run in families.
While myopia cannot be cured, it can be corrected with glasses or contact lenses. Special lenses are available to slow down myopia development in young children, although they can be costly. In some regions, innovative solutions like glass classrooms that simulate outdoor learning environments are being implemented to combat the rise in myopia.
With high rates of myopia potentially leading to various eye conditions in older age, it is essential for parents and educators to prioritize children’s eye health and implement strategies to mitigate the impacts of excessive screen time and lack of outdoor activities.