Nearsightedness, or myopia, is becoming increasingly prevalent worldwide, with alarming projections for the future. In 2023, over a third of children globally were diagnosed with myopia, and this figure is expected to approach 40% by 2050. This surge in nearsightedness rates is not only affecting children but also adults, making it a pressing public health issue.

Regional Disparities

While myopia is increasing globally, some regions are more affected than others. East Asian countries, particularly Japan and South Korea, have the highest rates, with 86% and 74% of children affected, respectively. Urban areas generally show higher myopia rates compared to rural settings, and girls are slightly more prone to the condition than boys.

Potential Causes

Experts attribute the rise in myopia to several factors

Increased Screen Time: The proliferation of digital devices and prolonged screen exposure, especially among children, is believed to be a significant contributor.

Limited Outdoor Activities: Reduced time spent outdoors, particularly in natural light, may be impacting eye development.

Educational Pressures: Early formal education and increased academic demands, especially in East Asian countries, could be contributing to the higher rates in these regions.

Genetic Factors: While genetics play a role, the rapid increase in myopia rates suggests that environmental and behavioral factors are more influential.

Consequences and Concerns

The rise in myopia is not just a matter of vision correction. High myopia increases the risk of serious eye conditions such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, and myopic maculopathy. These complications can lead to permanent vision impairment or blindness, making myopia a significant health and economic burden.

Prevention and Management

Experts recommend several strategies to combat the myopia epidemic:

Encouraging outdoor activities and limiting screen time.

Following the “20-20-20 rule” for eye breaks during near work.

Regular eye examinations for early detection and intervention.

Implementing myopia control strategies as soon as a child becomes myopic.

As myopia continues to rise globally, it’s crucial for parents, educators, and health professionals to be aware of this trend and take proactive measures to protect children’s vision.