A study found that one in three children and adolescents worldwide suffer from myopia. This figure is expected to increase to more than 740 million children and adolescents by 2050.
Myopia is an eye condition that makes it difficult to see distant objects clearly. It usually starts in childhood and tends to get worse as you get older. It is usually corrected with glasses or contact lenses. The exact cause of myopia is not yet known. However, research has shown that children who spend long hours on computers or smart devices are at greater risk. Some experts say that increasing outdoor activity time may help.
According to a report by the British Guardian on the 24th (local time), this study, centered on researchers at Zhongshan University in Guangzhou, China, analyzed all relevant studies (a total of 276 cases) and government reports published until June 2023. The study targeted more than 5 million children and adolescents in 50 countries in Asia, Europe, North America, South America, Africa, and Oceania.
The researchers combined data from all studies, taking into account geography and other variables. The analysis found that the prevalence of myopia among children and adolescents aged 5 to 19 around the world has jumped dramatically over the past 30 years, from 24% in 1990–2000 and 25% in 2001–2010 to 30% in 2011–2019 and 36% in 2020–2023.
Taking into account figures and trends through 2023, the researchers project that the prevalence of myopia in children and adolescents worldwide will increase from 600 million in 2030 to over 740 million in 2050, representing about 40% of the population in that age group.
Myopia is expected to be higher in girls and adolescents than in boys, and in children and adolescents aged 13–19 than in children and adolescents aged 6–12.
The researchers said they estimated future prevalence rates to provide more up-to-date data and to inform health policy and prevention efforts.
The researchers noted that the COVID-19 pandemic may have played a role in the rapid increase since 2020. “Emerging evidence suggests a potential link between the pandemic and accelerated visual deterioration among young adults,” the researchers wrote in their paper.
The gender difference could be due to girls going through puberty earlier than boys and spending less time outdoors, the researchers said. The researchers recommended that all children and adolescents spend less time on smartphones and tablets and more time doing physical activities.
Reporter Park Hae-sik, Donga.com [email protected]
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2024-09-25 13:59:33