Study Suggests That One in Three Children are Short-Sighted

Children’s eyesight is deteriorating globally, with one in three now suffering from short-sightedness, according to a comprehensive study. The research, which analyzed data from over five million young people across 50 countries, reveals that myopia has tripled since 1990, now affecting 36% of children. The rise is particularly significant following the Covid pandemic, where increased screen time and reduced outdoor activity negatively impacted vision.

Asia reports the highest rates of myopia, with 85% of Japanese children and 73% of South Korean children affected. In contrast, countries like Paraguay and Uganda report much lower rates, around 1%. The UK, Ireland, and the US are at 15%.

Myopia usually begins in primary school and worsens until around age 20. Genetic factors, along with early education starting as young as two in places like Singapore, contribute to the condition. To protect eyesight, experts recommend children spend at least two hours outdoors daily and undergo eye tests between ages seven and ten. While myopia cannot be cured, it can be managed with corrective lenses. Without intervention, the condition could affect over half of the world’s youth by 2050.

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