Vision issues are reaching alarming levels, resembling a pandemic . A recent study reveals that nearly a billion children globally may require glasses. Researchers in China have discovered a significant increase in myopia, or nearsightedness, among children and adolescents .
Published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology, the study predicts that by 2050, around 740 million young people worldwide could be impacted by this condition. The study, conducted by researchers from Sun Yat-Sen University in China, examined data from 276 studies with over 5.4 million participants across 50 countries.
It reveals a significant increase in the global prevalence of nearsightedness among children and teens over the past 30 years, rising from 24.32% in the 1990s to 35.81% in the early 2020s.
This rise in myopia rates is especially notable in certain regions and demographics. East Asian countries have the highest prevalence, with Japan leading at an alarming 85.95%.
Additionally, the study found that girls are more prone to developing myopia than boys, particularly during adolescence. (Also read: Don’t let rain ruin your vision: Essential eye care tips for monsoon, to prevent infections ) Myopia Trends in Different Countries Interestingly, the research reveals a significant disparity between developed and developing countries. Contrary to expectations, developing or underdeveloped nations exhibit a higher prevalence of myopia at 31.
89%, compared to 23.81% in developed countries. The resea.
