Why is myopia increasing, especially in children?

COVID–19 and lifestyle changes are increasing the incidence of myopia—or shortsightedness—in children, according to a report published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology.

A comprehensive meta-analysis report found a “persistent upward trend in the global prevalence of myopia.” 

The global prevalence of myopia, a type of refractive error, is 30.47% and, according to the report, will rise to affect 740 million children and adolescents worldwide by 2050. 

The comprehensive study involved over five million children and teenagers from 50 countries across all six continents.

It found myopia rates were highest in Asia, where countries such as Japan and South Korea reported myopia rates of 85% and 73%. By comparison, rates in the UK, Ireland, and the US are far lower - around 15%.

What is causing an increase in the rates of myopia?

The report notes that genetics plays a role in the development of myopia, which children may be predisposed to inherit from their parents. 

However, it also points to environmental factors—notably an increase in the use of screens and other devices.

It says exposure to ‘near-vision tasks’ plays a role in eye development.

• Read more about the 20-20-20 rule, which helps reduce screen time in our eye health tips. 

Girls and young women are more likely to have higher rates of myopia, as they tend to spend less time outdoors both at school and at home as they grow up. 

What are the risk factors for myopia?

Research funded by Fight for Sight and Health and Care Research Wales is exploring the relationship between genetic and lifestyle factors contributing to myopia. 

Led by Professor Jeremy Guggenheim, researchers developed a genetic test to identify a genetic test that will reveal children who are at increased risk of myopia.

The test holds promise for clinicians seeking to identify children who would benefit most from intensive treatment to delay the onset of shortsightedness.

Early detection is vital because treatments can delay the onset of shortsightedness or slow its rate of progression during childhood, reducing the chances of myopic macular degeneration.

The Cardiff-led research involved 492,000 participants worldwide.

“This international effort by researchers from the UK, Europe, Japan, Australia, China and the United States has demonstrated the potential of a genetic test for shortsightedness and set a clear path towards bringing the test to the clinic,” said Professor Guggenheim

Read more about Professor Guggenheim’s tips in our mythbuster.