Interview Times 
BHUBANESWAR: A growing global health challenge is emerging in the form of short-sightedness, or myopia, which now affects about one in every three children and teens, according to a comprehensive study. The research, conducted by Sun Yat-Sen University in China, reveals that cases of childhood myopia are rising at an alarming rate and could impact over 740 million young people by 2050.
Myopia, a condition where distant objects appear blurry, typically develops in early childhood and worsens with age. As lifestyles change, with children spending more time indoors and on screens, this vision problem is becoming a common concern across the world.
The study, which analysed data from 276 studies involving more than 7 million participants between the ages of 5 and 19 from 50 countries, shows a sharp rise in myopia cases. Between 1990 and 2023, prevalence has more than tripled. In fact, the latest data reveals that from 2020 to 2023, around 36% of children and teens were found to be short-sighted—a significant jump from 24% in the 1990s.
The findings highlight how modern lifestyles and environmental factors may be fuelling this epidemic. “The global prevalence of childhood myopia is substantial, affecting approximately one-third of children and adolescents, with notable variations across different demographic groups,” the authors wrote in the study published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology.
The Factors Behind the Surge
While genetics play a role, the study points to several environmental and lifestyle factors driving this surge in myopia. One of the most striking revelations is the impact of education and urbanization. In East Asia, where formal education starts early and children spend longer hours studying, myopia rates are significantly higher, with nearly 35% of young people affected. Urban living is also a contributing factor, with the study showing that 28.55% of children in cities are short-sighted, compared to those in rural areas.
Furthermore, the study found that girls tend to be more affected than boys, with 33.57% of females experiencing myopia compared to their male counterparts. Early puberty, less outdoor activity, and more time spent on near-work activities, such as reading or screen time, are cited as potential reasons for this disparity.
In contrast, African countries have seen a lower prevalence of myopia. Researchers suggest that delayed formal education and lower literacy rates might explain why fewer children are short-sighted in these regions. However, as educational systems evolve and urbanization increases, this could change.
A Call for Action: Reducing Screen Time and Increasing Outdoor Activity
The study’s findings underscore the need for a proactive approach to prevent a further rise in myopia. Researchers advise that children and teens worldwide need more physical activity and time outdoors to counter the effects of extended screen time and indoor lifestyles.
By 2050, the projected 9% rise in global myopia prevalence is expected to create a significant burden on public health, particularly with associated risks such as glaucoma, cataracts, and even blindness. As the world’s population grows increasingly short-sighted, experts are urging parents, educators, and policymakers to take immediate steps to mitigate these trends.
The Future of Vision
As the world adapts to rapid urbanization, evolving education systems, and increasingly digital lives, addressing the myopia crisis has become an urgent health priority. The findings from this study serve as a wake-up call: unless action is taken, millions more children and teens may face lifelong challenges with their vision.
Raising awareness, promoting outdoor activities, and encouraging balanced screen time are just a few steps that could help reverse the trend. Myopia may be on the rise, but with informed decisions and the right interventions, the future of vision for the world’s youth can still be safeguarded.
