The world is grappling with a rising epidemic of myopia, or shortsightedness, with projections indicating that over 740 million children and adolescents could struggle to see distant objects by 2050.
A recent global review, led by researchers at Sun Yat-Sen University in China, analyzed data from 276 studies spanning 50 nations and covering 5.4 million young people. The findings revealed a significant increase in myopia among individuals aged 5 to 19, jumping from 24% in 1990 to 36% in 2023. Japan reported the highest prevalence, with 86% of children and teens affected, while Paraguay had the lowest at just 0.84%.
The study predicts that, if current trends continue, nearly 40% of young people worldwide could develop myopia by 2050, with Asia seeing rates as high as 70%. This surge has been attributed to factors beyond genetics, including reduced outdoor activity and increased screen time, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, when remote learning confined children indoors.
While genetics plays a role in myopia, environmental factors such as early educational exposure and limited time outdoors are believed to significantly contribute to worsening eyesight. The review stresses the urgent need for further research and preventive measures to combat the growing myopia crisis among the next generation.
