A concerning trend is emerging in the world of childhood health: Myopia, or short-sightedness, is on the rise, with a staggering one in three children worldwide struggling to see distant objects clearly. This alarming increase has researchers predicting that myopia may soon become a significant global health concern for young people.
According to a study published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology, the global prevalence of myopia is projected to exceed 740 million cases in children by 2050, representing approximately four out of ten youngsters. This surge in myopia can be attributed to a threefold increase in prevalence since 1990, with rates escalating from 24% in the 1990s to 36% in the 2020s. The highest rates are observed in Asia, where an astounding 85% of children in Japan and 73% in South Korea experience short-sightedness. In contrast, only 15% of youngsters in the UK, Ireland, and the US are affected, while Paraguay and Uganda show the lowest prevalence at approximately 1%.
To understand the reasons behind this dramatic increase, researchers conducted one of the largest studies on myopia, meticulously analyzing decades’ worth of reports and government files spanning six continents and covering over 5.4 million children. The study revealed that myopia, which arises from the elongation of the eyeball, can lead to serious eye conditions if left untreated, including retinal detachment, cataracts, and glaucoma. Children experiencing myopia may exhibit symptoms such as headaches, frequent blinking, eye rubbing, dry eyes, and feelings of fatigue and irritability.
While genetics plays a significant role in the development of myopia, experts believe that environmental factors are primarily responsible for the recent surge. In particular, a lack of exposure to natural daylight is strongly implicated. John Bolger, a leading myopia specialist, emphasizes that natural daylight is crucial for the healthy development of our eyes, preventing the need for compensation in their natural shape. He attributes the rising myopia rates to the prevalence of 21st-century urban lifestyles, where children spend an excessive amount of time indoors glued to screens, missing out on the vital benefits of natural light.
This shift towards indoor activities, driven by factors such as limited outdoor spaces, safety concerns, and the allure of electronic devices, has contributed to a significant increase in myopia cases, particularly in Asia. The study suggests that the rapid economic growth in Asia, coupled with the high prevalence of indoor activities, has played a pivotal role in driving the region’s escalating myopia rates. In contrast, Africa, where schooling typically starts at age six, exhibits significantly lower myopia prevalence, highlighting the potential link between education and myopia.
The study’s findings also suggest that the COVID-19 lockdowns have exacerbated the myopia trend due to children spending less time outdoors and engaging with screens for longer durations. Giles Edmonds, clinical services director for Specsavers, emphasizes the importance of regular eye exams for early detection and intervention. Parents should be vigilant in observing their children for any signs of myopia and promptly consult an ophthalmologist for diagnosis and treatment.
While we cannot alter our genetic predisposition, experts provide practical steps to mitigate the environmental drivers of myopia. Prioritizing outdoor activities, even on cloudy days, reducing screen time, and ensuring that digital devices are held at a distance of two feet and at eye level are crucial measures. The 20/20/20 rule—looking at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes—is a helpful technique for giving the eyes a break. It’s essential to encourage regular eye examinations, as early detection is crucial for managing myopia and preventing complications. Contact lenses and glasses are common treatments for myopia, and laser eye surgery is also an option. However, the rising prevalence of myopia extends beyond simply needing more glasses; it underscores the urgent need for a societal shift towards a more nature-centric lifestyle. Bolger aptly summarizes this need: ‘We need to create a societal shift to get “back to nature”,’ he says, adding: ‘Daylight is abundant, free, and holds the key to slowing myopia progression.’
By embracing a more balanced approach to technology and prioritizing time spent outdoors, we can empower ourselves and future generations to experience a world of vibrant and clear vision.
