Wed Sep 25 06:34:36 UTC 2024: ## Myopia on the Rise: One in Three Children Globally Suffer from Short-sightedness

**London, UK** – A new global study published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology reveals a stark reality: one in three children worldwide are short-sighted, a number that has tripled since 1990. The research, involving over five million children and teenagers across 50 countries, warns that myopia, or short-sightedness, is a growing global health concern set to affect millions more by 2050.

The study found the highest rates of myopia in Asia, with 85% of children in Japan and 73% in South Korea suffering from the condition. China and Russia reported over 40% of children being short-sighted. Conversely, Paraguay and Uganda showed the lowest rates at around 1%. The UK, Ireland, and the US all reported approximately 15% myopia rates.

The researchers highlight a significant increase in myopia following the COVID-19 pandemic, suggesting a correlation between extended indoor time and vision deterioration.

Factors contributing to the rise in myopia include:

* **Genetics:** Children are more likely to inherit short-sightedness from their parents.
* **Early Education:** In countries like Singapore and Hong Kong, children start school as early as two years old, spending prolonged hours focusing on books and screens.
* **Outdoor Time:** Research suggests that spending at least two hours outdoors daily, particularly between the ages of seven and nine, can significantly reduce the risk of developing myopia.

By 2050, the study predicts that over half of teenagers globally could be affected by myopia, with developing countries potentially reaching 40% prevalence.

**Experts advise parents to:**

* Take their children for an eye test between the ages of seven and 10, even if their vision was previously checked.
* Encourage at least two hours of daily outdoor activities.

While myopia cannot be cured, it can be corrected with glasses or contact lenses. Special lenses designed to slow down the development of myopia are available, but they are expensive.

The researchers express concern that the high rates of myopia could lead to an increase in unusual eye conditions in later life.

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