A recent study highlights a concerning trend in the prevalence of myopia, or short-sightedness, among children and adolescents worldwide. The research indicates that by 2050, more than 740 million young people could be affected by this eye disorder, marking a significant increase since 1990.
Published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology, the study synthesized data from 311 research projects involving over 5.4 million participants across 50 countries. It reveals that myopia, which impairs the ability to see distant objects clearly, has risen from affecting approximately 25% of children and adolescents in 1990 to around one-third today, showcasing its substantial global prevalence.
Led by researchers at Sun Yat-Sen University in Guangzhou, China, the analysis provides updated projections across six continents to clarify the magnitude of the issue. The authors predict a 9% increase in myopia prevalence from 2023 to 2050, with adolescents aged 13 to 19 at a higher risk than children aged 6 to 12. It is expected that by 2050, over half of adolescents and more than a quarter of younger children will be myopic.
“This prediction is alarming and aligns with previous data but provides a more precise and timely estimate,” stated Imran Jawaid, a consultant pediatric ophthalmologist at Moorfields Eye Hospital in Dubai, who was not involved in the research. He emphasized that myopia is increasingly regarded as an eye disease, associated with potential long-term complications.
Younger individuals diagnosed with short-sightedness face a higher risk of severe outcomes, as the condition typically worsens over time. The study noted that while the prevalence is greater among teenagers, the growth rate of myopia among younger children has been nearly double that of adolescents over the past 30 years.
A report from the U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine recently called for myopia to be classified as a disease necessitating a medical diagnosis. The report also recommended that the government promote outdoor activities among young people, which studies suggest can mitigate the risk of developing myopia.
Omar Mahroo, a professor of retinal neuroscience at University College London, remarked that while glasses can correct short-sightedness, increased myopia correlates with higher risks of serious complications, such as retinal detachments and myopic macular degeneration. These conditions can lead to irreversible vision loss, underscoring the need for further research into myopia prevention.
The study revealed significant regional variations in myopia prevalence, with the highest rates observed in Japan and the lowest in Paraguay. While the exact causes of short-sightedness remain unclear, certain factors contribute to its development. The analysis identified higher prevalence among individuals in East Asia, those living in urban settings, and females. Increased near-work activities, such as reading and screen time, alongside reduced outdoor time, are associated with a higher risk of myopia.
Interestingly, the authors noted the potential impact of COVID-19 lockdowns on eye health, citing concerns over reduced outdoor activity, although evidence remains limited.
Asia currently experiences the highest rates of myopia, with projections suggesting that prevalence could reach 69% by 2050. The study authors noted that populations in East and South Asia, undergoing rapid economic transitions, have seen the most pronounced increases in myopia rates. They also pointed to early formal education in some East Asian countries as a potential factor.
To combat the rise of myopia, Jawaid recommends several straightforward strategies, including maintaining a distance of at least 30 cm from books and screens and increasing outdoor activity. He advises that preschool-aged children should aim for one to two hours of outdoor time each day, which has been linked to lower incidences of myopia.
The study authors emphasize the importance of eye-protective measures for young people. They advocate for increased physical activity and reduced time spent on screens, including television and video games. Additionally, they urge authorities to reconsider the excessive homework burden placed on students, which could also contribute to myopia rates.
As myopia becomes increasingly prevalent among the youth, addressing this issue is critical for public health. With predictions indicating that over 740 million young people could be affected by 2050, understanding the underlying causes and implementing preventive measures are imperative. Enhanced awareness, education, and governmental support can play vital roles in curbing this escalating epidemic, ultimately safeguarding the vision of future generations.
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