A recent scientific study has revealed that the prevalence of myopia among children has tripled from 1990 to 2023, rising to 36%. Projections indicate that by 2050, this condition could affect more than half of all children worldwide.
Published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology, the study suggests there may be a connection between the COVID-19 pandemic and the accelerated decline in vision among children. Lockdown measures during the pandemic adversely affected eyesight, as children spent increased time in front of screens and less time outdoors, resulting in a deterioration of their visual acuity.
In light of these findings, the study recommends that children spend at least two hours outdoors each day, particularly those aged seven to nine, to help mitigate the risk of developing myopia. It emphasizes that “the vision of children is worsening, with one in three now suffering from myopia or difficulty seeing distant objects clearly.”
Daniel Hardiman-McCartney, a clinical advisor from the College of Optometry in the UK, noted the numerous benefits of outdoor activity for children’s eyesight. He underscored the importance of regular eye examinations, especially for those aged seven to ten.
It’s noteworthy that the study included over five million children across 50 countries on six continents, with Asia reporting the highest rates of myopia. In Japan, an alarming 85% of children are affected, compared to 73% in South Korea. Over 40% are impacted in China and Russia. In contrast, the prevalence in the UK, Ireland, and the US hovers around 15%, while Paraguay and Uganda report the lowest levels at approximately 1%.
Myopia typically begins in elementary school years and tends to worsen until eye growth stabilizes around the age of 20. Symptoms include difficulty reading distant text and sitting close to screens, often leading to headaches and itchy eyes.
