A recent study published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology has revealed a disturbing trend: one in three children and teenagers worldwide are afflicted with myopia, or short-sightedness. This vision impairment, correctable with glasses or contact lenses, has become a pressing public health issue, with projections indicating over 740 million cases by 2050.
Researchers from China's Sun Yat-Sen University and Henan Provincial People's Hospital analyzed data from over five million children and teenagers across 50 countries, spanning six continents. Their findings show a significant increase in myopia prevalence, tripling from 24.32% in 1990 to 35.81% in 2023. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated this trend, with lockdowns prompting increased screen time and decreased outdoor activities.
The study highlights several contributing factors:
1. Genetics: Family history plays a role in developing myopia.
2. East Asian ethnicity: Living in East Asia significantly increases the likelihood of myopia.
3. Early education: Regions like Singapore and Hong Kong, where formal education begins at two years old, show higher rates of myopia.
4. Screen time: Prolonged exposure to screens strains eyes, increasing myopia risk.
5. Outdoor activities: Reduced time spent outdoors exacerbates myopia development.
6. Puberty: Girls entering puberty earlier may experience myopia onset at a younger age.
Girls and young women are disproportionately affected, with higher rates of myopia due to reduced outdoor activities and earlier puberty. Researchers warn that developing countries may see rates as high as 40% by 2050.
The consequences of myopia extend beyond corrective measures:
1. Eye fatigue: Constant strain on ciliary muscles leads to eye fatigue.
2. Ocular disease: Myopia increases the risk of ocular diseases, such as cataracts and glaucoma.
3. Economic burden: The projected 9% rise in myopia prevalence between 2023 and 2050 will substantially impact healthcare systems.
Parents, educators, and policymakers must take heed:
1. Encourage outdoor activities: Regular outdoor play can mitigate myopia risk.
2. Monitor screen time: Establish limits on screen exposure.
3. Promote eye care: Regular eye exams and proper eye care habits are essential.
4. Rebalance education: Prioritize physical activity and outdoor learning.
The study's projections are alarming, but awareness and proactive measures can curb the rise of myopia. By understanding the factors contributing to this epidemic, we can work towards protecting the vision and eye health of future generations.
Call to Action:
Let us prioritize eye health and take collective action to prevent the alarming rise of myopia among children and teenagers. By promoting outdoor activities, responsible screen time, and proper eye care, we can safeguard the vision of future generations.
Conclusion:
The global prevalence of myopia is alarmingly high at 30.47% and projected to affect 740 million children and adolescents by 2050. Regional, gender, ethnic, and cultural disparities significantly impact myopia rates. Urgent action is needed to address this growing epidemic, which may soon become a major global health burden. Future research should focus on region-specific strategies to effectively combat myopia.
Reference:
1. Liang, Jinghong, Yingqi Pu, Jiaqi Chen, Meiling Liu, Bowen Ouyang, Zhengge Jin, Wenxin Ge, et al. 2024. “Global prevalence, trend and projection of myopia in children and adolescents from 1990 to 2050: a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis.” British Journal of Ophthalmology, August. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjo-2024-325427.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Vaishnavi Dalvi/MSM)
