Global Myopia Epidemic: One in Three Children Worldwide Affected

A recent study has found that one in three children worldwide is myopic, with the proportion expected to increase to half by 2050.

According to a research paper published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology by a team at Sun Yat-Sen University in China, the rate of myopia among children and young people has increased significantly over the past 30 years.

The study, which analyzed data from over 5 million children and teenagers in 50 countries, found that the global rate of myopia among children and teenagers between the ages of 5 and 19 increased from 24% in 1990 to 36% in 2023.

East Asia Leads the Way in Myopia Rates

The study found that East Asian countries have the highest rates of myopia among children and young people. Japan topped the list with a staggering 86%, followed closely by Korea at 74%. China and Russia also had high rates of myopia, with over 40% of children and adolescents affected.

In contrast, the rate of myopia among children and young people in the UK, Ireland, and the US was significantly lower, at around 15%. The lowest rates were found in Paraguay and Uganda, with around 1% of children and adolescents affected.

Early Education and Genetics: Key Factors in Myopia

The research team attributed the high rate of myopia in East Asian children to early education and genetic factors. They noted that the rate of myopia in East Asian children is more than twice that of white children, and that living in East Asia can increase the risk of myopia.

The team also pointed out that in countries like Singapore and Hong Kong, education starts at a very young age, which can put stress on children’s eye muscles and lead to myopia. They emphasized that young children’s vision is more susceptible to environmental factors than adults.

Reducing Screen Time and Increasing Physical Activity

The research team recommended that students increase their physical activity time and decrease the time spent watching TV and videos, playing computer games, and surfing the internet. They also noted that the COVID-19 pandemic has contributed to the increase in myopia among children, as they spent more time indoors and on digital devices.

A Global Health Problem on the Horizon

The research team predicted that the rate of myopia among children and young people worldwide could increase to around 50% by 2050, with the rate in Asia expected to reach 69%. They warned that myopia will become a global health problem if left unchecked.