One in three children now short-sighted: study

A global study has revealed that one in three children is now short-sighted or struggling to see distant objects clearly, with researchers linking the rise in myopia to increased screen time and reduced outdoor activities during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The study, published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology, examined data from more than five million children and teenagers across 50 countries.

It highlighted a significant rise in short-sightedness since 1990, with the rate tripling to 36% by 2023.

The increase became particularly evident after the pandemic, as lockdowns kept children indoors, exacerbating the issue.

Factors contributing to this rise include more screen time, early education practices, and less outdoor exposure.

In countries like Singapore and Hong Kong, children start school as young as two, spending more time on close-range activities that strain the eyes.

Girls, due to earlier physical development and less outdoor time, are more likely to develop myopia earlier than boys.

Regions like Asia have the highest rates of short-sightedness, with 85% of children in Japan and 73% in South Korea affected.

In contrast, countries like Paraguay and Uganda have much lower rates, at just 1%, while the UK, Ireland, and the US see rates around 15%.

The study also warned that by 2050, over half of the world’s teenagers could be affected by myopia, presenting a growing global health challenge.

Experts worry that high rates of myopia could lead to long-term eye conditions as people age, such as retinal detachment and glaucoma, raising concerns about the future burden on healthcare systems.

Eye health experts recommend that children spend at least two hours outdoors daily, especially between the ages of seven and nine, to help reduce the risk of developing myopia.

They also encourage regular eye exams, particularly for children with family histories of short-sightedness, as myopia can be managed with early detection and proper corrective measures like glasses or contact lenses.