Myopia, commonly known as short-sightedness, is becoming a growing concern for children and adolescents globally. A recent study has revealed that approximately one in three young people are now affected by this vision problem, with projections suggesting that the number of cases could reach a staggering 740 million by 2050. Conducted by researchers from Sun Yat-Sen University in China, the study reviewed vast amounts of data to uncover alarming trends in the rising prevalence of myopia among the youth.

What is Myopia?

Myopia is a condition where individuals have difficulty seeing distant objects clearly, while nearby objects remain in focus. This condition often manifests in early childhood and, in most cases, worsens with age. While genetics play a role in developing short-sightedness, environmental factors, such as lifestyle and education, have increasingly been implicated in the recent surge of cases.

Global Trends in Myopia: A Rapid Rise

The study, published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology, examined 276 research papers spanning up to June 2023. These papers involved over 5.4 million participants aged 5 to 19 from 50 countries, making it one of the most comprehensive analyses of myopia to date. The data also included a total of 1.9 million documented cases of short-sightedness, providing a global snapshot of the condition’s prevalence across different regions.

The findings indicate a significant rise in myopia rates over the past few decades. Between 1990 and 2000, about 24% of children and teens were diagnosed with short-sightedness. This increased slightly to 25% from 2001 to 2010 but saw a much sharper rise from 2011 to 2019, reaching 30%. Most concerning, however, is the rapid increase observed between 2020 and 2023, where the prevalence jumped to 36%, meaning roughly one in three young people are now affected.

Factors Driving the Rise of Myopia

The research highlights several demographic and environmental factors contributing to the global rise in myopia cases. East Asian countries were found to have the highest rates of short-sightedness, with a prevalence of 35.22% among children and adolescents. The study also noted that being female, living in urban areas, and spending more years in formal education were key factors influencing myopia rates. Specifically, nearly 47% of adolescents and 45.71% of high school students were found to have myopia.

Also Read:  Antidepressant Could Help Fight Deadly Brain Tumours, Says Study

Interestingly, the study found that girls are more susceptible to short-sightedness than boys. Researchers speculated that early puberty and spending less time outdoors compared to boys could explain this gender difference.

Urbanisation also appears to play a significant role. Children growing up in cities, where outdoor play is often limited and screen time is higher, are more likely to develop myopia than those living in rural areas. This trend is particularly evident in East Asian countries, where formal education begins at a younger age, and students typically spend more time indoors engaged in close-up tasks such as reading and using digital devices.

Regional Variations: Why Some Areas Are Less Affected

In contrast, the study found a much lower prevalence of myopia in African countries. The researchers attributed this to lower literacy rates, delayed formal education, and less exposure to screens. Additionally, more time spent outdoors may offer protection against developing myopia in these regions.

The study suggests that the disparity between different regions and countries may be driven by differences in educational practices and lifestyle choices. In East Asia, where the focus on education is intense from a young age, children are more likely to develop short-sightedness. Meanwhile, African children, who start school later and spend more time outdoors, seem to be somewhat shielded from the condition.

Also Read:  Scientists Discover Microplastics In The Olfactory Bulbs Of The Human Brain

Projections for 2050: A Looming Public Health Issue

Looking ahead, the study’s projections are concerning. Researchers anticipate a 9% increase in myopia prevalence between 2023 and 2050, which will affect more than 740 million children and adolescents globally. This rise will inevitably place a significant burden on healthcare systems, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, which are already disproportionately affected by the growing rates of short-sightedness.

If current trends continue, myopia could lead to a surge in serious eye health issues, such as retinal detachment and glaucoma, in later life. As a result, addressing this growing public health challenge is crucial.

Recommendations for Reducing Myopia Risk

The study’s authors recommend that children and teens spend more time outdoors and reduce screen time to combat the rising prevalence of myopia. Engaging in physical activity and limiting close-up tasks, such as prolonged reading or screen use, are crucial preventive measures. Parents and educators should prioritise outdoor play and create a balance between digital and physical activities for children.

The researchers emphasise the need for early intervention, particularly in regions most affected by myopia. Governments, healthcare providers, and schools can play a pivotal role in spreading awareness and promoting healthy lifestyle changes to curb the rapid rise in short-sightedness.

Bottomline

The global increase in myopia among children and adolescents is a worrying trend that requires urgent attention. With one in three young people already affected and numbers expected to climb further, preventive measures, including encouraging outdoor activities and reducing screen time, could help mitigate the impact. As the world moves toward 2050, understanding the factors driving this surge and implementing proactive solutions will be key to addressing this global vision crisis.