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The increasing incidence of myopia, or short-sightedness, is particularly pronounced in Asia, where a significant number of children and young adults are now affected.
In many parts of Asia, wearing glasses has become almost a standard part of childhood, reflecting a concerning trend in vision health.
In contrast, Europe presents a somewhat more favourable scenario, with only three percent of preschool children, eleven percent of children aged 7 to 10, and 20 to 30 percent of adolescents aged 11 to 17 exhibiting signs of short-sightedness. However, even these figures raise alarms among health experts.
Myopia set to impact half the world by 2050
The global outlook on myopia is troubling, with predictions suggesting that by 2050, approximately 4.8 billion individuals worldwide will be affected by this condition.
Among them, around 940 million people are expected to experience high myopia, defined as vision impairment exceeding minus five diopters.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there were about 2.6 billion individuals with myopia globally in 2020, with 312 million of these being under the age of 19.
These statistics highlight a growing public health issue that requires immediate attention.
More than blurry vision - myopia can lead to vision loss
Myopia is not merely a refractive error; it can lead to severe complications, including damage to the retina. Such damage can result in serious conditions like retinal detachment or even blindness.
Additionally, myopia can affect the optic nerve, leading to glaucoma, a condition that can cause irreversible vision loss.
As the prevalence of myopia continues to rise, the associated risks to eye health become increasingly significant.
Rising myopia rates highlight the need for early prevention
In many Southeast Asian countries, the prevalence of myopia among children and adolescents has already surpassed ten percent, with some regions in China reporting rates as high as 90 percent among young students.
This alarming trend raises concerns that similar patterns may soon emerge in other parts of the world.
Consequently, it is crucial for parents and caregivers to be vigilant and attentive to the early signs of short-sightedness in their children.
How to spot the signs of myopia in kids
There are several indications that may suggest a child is developing myopia.
For instance, if a child has difficulty reading from boards or screens in class, it could be a sign of vision impairment. Additionally, children who hold digital devices or books very close to their faces to see clearly may also be experiencing early symptoms of myopia.
Other common indicators include frequent squinting, regular headaches, and a tendency to rub the eyes often.
These behaviours can signal that a child is struggling with their vision and may require a professional evaluation.
A final thought
The rising prevalence of myopia, particularly among children and adolescents, is a pressing global health issue that cannot be ignored.
With alarming statistics indicating a potential future where billions are affected, it is essential for parents, educators, and healthcare professionals to work together to identify early signs of myopia.
By promoting regular eye examinations and encouraging outdoor activities, we can help mitigate the risk of myopia and protect the vision health of future generations.
Awareness and proactive measures are key in addressing this growing concern and ensuring that children have the best possible chance for healthy vision.
This article was sponsored by ZEISS Group Australia, a proud supporter of Optometry Australia's Myopia Awareness Campaign "Off Screens. Outside. Optometrist."
