About one in three children and adolescents worldwide has myopia, with cases in this age group worldwide expected to exceed 740 million by 2050, according to a study published online in the British Journal of Opthalmology.

The researchers estimated the current and future prevalence of myopia through 2050 in children aged 5 to 19 years.

Their analysis revealed him more than tripling the incidence of myopia between 1990 and 2023increasing from 24% between 1990-2000 to 25% in 2001-2010, 30% in 2011-2019 and 36% in 2020-2023.

While the appearance of myopia in teenagers surpassed that of children, peaking at 54% during 2020-2023, however the absolute increase in children from 1990 to 2023 was almost double that of adolescents.

Where and why there is an increase in the prevalence of myopia

The incidence of myopia was significantly higher in low and middle income countries than in high-income countries.

The women’s sexthe sojourn in east Asia, the educational level and living in urban areas appear to influence the occurrence of myopia, according to the findings of the pooled analysis of available evidence.

The pandemic Covid-19 may have played a role in the spike after 2020, the researchers estimate.

Regarding geographic differences, they note that residents of east and south Asia experienced rapid economic growth and at the same time the steepest increase in the prevalence of myopia.

“Furthermore, a correlation has been observed between its duration education and the occurrence of myopia, suggesting that the early implementation of formal education in some East Asian states could potentially act as a contributing factor. In contrast, African populations have a lower prevalence of myopia, possibly attributable to lower literacy rates and late initiation of formal education, which typically occurs between the ages of 6-8 for most children,” they add.

Finally, gender differences may be explained by the fact that girls reach puberty faster than boys and tend to spend less time outdoors. Researchers highlight the importance of more physical activity and less screen time for all children and adolescents.

Based on data and trends to 2023, it is estimated that the total global prevalence of myopia is expected to exceed 740 million cases in 2050, up from 600 million in 2030. It is expected to be higher among girls and young women than among boys and young men, but also in 13-19 year olds than in 6-12 year olds.

The researchers acknowledge several limitations to their findings, including the variable quality and significant differences in design and methodology of the studies included in their pooled data analysis.

Link to the scientific publication: