A global analysis has revealed alarming trends in children's eyesight, with one in three now suffering from short-sightedness, or myopia. This increase is attributed to several factors, including the impact of Covid-19 lockdowns, which saw children spending more time on screens and less time outdoors.

The study, published in the  British Journal of Ophthalmology, examined data from over five million children and teenagers across 50 countries and found that the prevalence of myopia has tripled from 1990 to 2023, now affecting 36% of children worldwide. The highest rates are found in East Asia, where an astonishing 85% of children in Japan and 73% in South Korea are short-sighted. In contrast, countries like Paraguay and Uganda report rates as low as 1%.

The research highlights a particularly notable increase in myopia following the Covid pandemic, which forced many young people to remain indoors for extended periods. The study suggests that early onset myopia, often starting in primary school years, tends to worsen until the eye stops growing around the age of 20.

Contributing factors include genetic predisposition and early educational demands in regions like Singapore and Hong Kong, where children as young as two begin formal schooling. This early focus on books and screens puts additional strain on young eyes, increasing the risk of developing myopia. In comparison, countries in Africa, where schooling starts later, report significantly lower rates of myopia.

Looking to the future, researchers warn that by 2050, over half of teenagers worldwide could be affected by myopia, with girls likely to experience higher rates due to less time spent on outdoor activities.

To combat these rising numbers, eye experts recommend that children spend at least two hours outdoors daily, particularly between ages seven and nine. They also suggest regular eye tests for children between seven and ten years old, especially if there is a family history of myopia.

While myopia cannot be cured, it can be managed with corrective lenses. Special lenses designed to alter eye growth are also gaining popularity, particularly in Asia, where innovative learning environments, like glass classrooms that simulate outdoor conditions, are being implemented.

As the concern grows over the long-term implications of high myopia rates, including potential unusual eye conditions in older age, the emphasis on outdoor activity and regular eye care has never been more crucial. Signs of short-sightedness include difficulty reading distant text, sitting too close to screens, frequent headaches, and excessive eye rubbing.

With awareness and preventive measures, parents and educators can help protect children's eyesight in an increasingly digital world.