A concerning trend is sweeping around the globe: a record rise in myopia or shortsightedness among children. A research-based study reveals that one in three children worldwide now suffers from this condition, a remarkable raise that has got the attention of health experts.
Myopia’s growing outbreak, particularly in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, is fueling the menace of a global vision health crisis that could impact millions more in the future.
The pandemic has a turning point for several aspects of public health and its effect on children's vision is one of the most alarming. As educational institutions closed and lockdown confined children to their own homes, screen time skyrocketed. Whether for remote learning or entertainment, children spend limitless hours in front of televisions, computers and phones, all of which are known to strain the eyes when used extremely. At the same time, the lack of outdoor activity— an important factor in healthy eye development— exacerbated the situation.
According to the research study published in the ‘British Journal of Ophthalmology,’ which spanned fifty countries and over five million children, the number of myopia’s cases has tripled since 1990. This surge is mainly endorsed to lifestyle changes accelerated by the pandemic. The researchers observed a quick increase in the number of children who developed myopia, an alarming trend that is expected to continue unless immediate steps are taken.
Myopia’s prevalence is not the same across the globe, with East Asia rising as the region most affected. In Japan, a surprising 85 percent of children suffer from shortsightedness, making it the highest rate around the world, South Korea follows closely behind with 73 percent, while China and Russia report over 40 percent of children affected. The statistics emphasises a regional health crisis, with densely populated cities, early education pressure and high levels of screen use among the measures driving the surge in myopia.
On the other hand, countries such as Paraguay and Uganda report some of the lowest myopia rates, with only about 1 percent of children affected. However, even in Western countries like the United States, the United Kingdom and Ireland, around 15 percent of children now struggle with myopia, representing the global nature of the issue.
While myopia’s immediate effect may seem manageable with curative lenses, the long-term outcome is far more serious. High myopia considerably raises the risk of vision-threatening conditions, such as glaucoma, retinal detachment and macular deterioration, later in life. Health experts warn that if myopia rates continue to increase unbridled, the world’s half population could be affected by 2050.
What makes the situation particularly shocking is that myopia tends to develop during early childhood and gradually worsens as the child grows. The earlier myopia begins, the more severe the condition can become by adulthood, increasing concern about a future health crisis that could overburden the healthcare system globally.
Lifestyle causes are increasingly recognised as key drivers of this global phenomenon although genetics play a role in the development of myopia. In East Asia, where academic competition is stern, children often begin their formal learning as early as two or three years old. The early introduction to reading, writing and screen-based learning means that the children spend more time indoors and less time engaged in outdoor activities, which are vital for healthy eye development.
Despite the rapid increase in myopia cases, there are clear strategies
that may help alleviate the problem. The health experts are stressing
the importance of outdoor time for children. Studies suggest that
spending at least two hours a day outside can considerably reduce the risk of developing myopia.
In some places such as Singapore and Hong Kong, this early academic pressure, coupled with high screen time, has created a storm for worsening myopia rates. On the other hand, in places like sub-Saharan Africa, where children normally start school later (Between the ages of six and eight) and spend more time outdoor activities, myopia rates remain remarkably lower.
The research indicates an interesting matter that girls are more at risk of developing myopia at an earlier age compared to boys. The experts believe that this is partly due to lifestyle differences, as girls tend to spend less time outdoors and often reach physical maturity sooner than boys, which can lead to earlier beginning of vision problems. The gender difference suggests that prevention strategies may need to be adapted for both boys and girls.
Despite the rapid increase in myopia cases, there are clear strategies that may help alleviate the problem. The health experts are stressing the importance of outdoor time for children. Studies suggest that spending at least two hours a day outside can considerably reduce the risk of developing myopia. Natural sunlight and focusing on distant objects while outdoors appear to help slow the progression of shortsightedness, although the exact mechanisms are still being studied.
The UK’s eye specialists emphasise the benefit of outdoor activities. According to them, there is a solid cause for encouraging children to spend more time outdoors, particularly during the ages of seven to nine, when their eyes are still developing.
Regular eye tests are also important for early detection and management. Parents are advised to have their children’s eyes checked between the ages of seven and ten, even if no vision problem is immediately evident. Early intervention, like the use of remedial lenses or special eye drops, may help slow the progression of myopia and lessen the risk of future complications.
Parents and teachers should be aware of myopia’s early signs in children. This may include difficulty seeing distant objects, such as a school whiteboard, sitting too close to screens, frequent headache and unnecessary eye rubbing. Early diagnosis and treatment are important to managing the condition and preventing it from worsening.
The increase in myopia among children is an urgent issue that demands immediate attention from parents, teachers and policymakers. As digital devices become an increasingly integral part of daily life, it is important to keep a balance between necessary screen use and outdoor activities that promote healthy vision. The long-term consequence of unbridled myopia is too severe to ignore.
Policymakers must prioritise public health campaigns for raising awareness regarding the risk of myopia and advocate for more outdoor activities in schools. Moreover, the healthcare system worldwide must prepare for a likely surge in myopia-related complications, which could strain already overstretched resources.
Myopia’s rapid rise is not just a challenge for the future; it is a crisis that is unfolding now. Millions more children could face a lifetime of eyesight problems. The global community must act to protect the next generation’s eyesight, ensuring that they can grow up with clear vision and a bright future.
Raj Kiron Das, an Editorial Assistant at Bangladesh Post and a founder of Equal Rights Organisation (ERO), can be reached at <ragbirajmcjru@gmail.com>
