A recent systematic review and meta-analysis by Chinese scientists has revealed a startling trend: between 1990 and 2023, the prevalence of myopia (nearsightedness) among children and adolescents surged from 24.32% to 35.81%. If this trajectory continues, by 2050, nearly 40% of adolescents worldwide—approximately 750 million individuals—could be affected by myopia.
Myopia typically develops in early childhood and often worsens as individuals progress into adolescence and adulthood. Younger schoolchildren are particularly susceptible to risk factors, and this vulnerability is even more pronounced in preschool-aged children due to critical periods of visual development.
The study's conclusions are drawn from data spanning 276 studies, encompassing over 5 million children and adolescents across 50 countries in Europe, the Americas, Asia, Africa, and Oceania. Collectively, these studies recorded nearly 2 million cases of myopia.
One of the primary factors contributing to this rise, according to the researchers, is the increasing amount of time children spend in front of screens—be it computers, tablets, or smartphones. The recent COVID-19 pandemic may have further exacerbated the situation by necessitating more screen time for remote learning and reduced outdoor activities.
Implications: This growing public health concern underscores the need for proactive measures. Encouraging outdoor activities, limiting screen time, and regular eye check-ups could be vital steps in mitigating the risk of myopia in younger populations.
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Thank you !