Sep 24, 2024
Staying Healthy
A recent study indicates a significant global rise in myopia among children and adolescents, projecting that nearly half will be affected by 2050.
Myopia, commonly known as nearsightedness, is increasingly becoming a major public health issue worldwide, particularly among the younger population. Characterized by blurred distance vision, myopia not only affects academic performance and quality of life but also raises the risk of serious ocular complications later in life. Understanding its prevalence and trends is crucial for developing effective prevention and intervention strategies.
The Study: Comprehensive Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Methodology Overview
Data Collection: Researchers conducted an extensive literature search across multiple databases up to June 27, 2023.
Scope: The analysis included 276 studies with a total of 5,410,945 participants aged 5 to 19 years from 50 countries across all six continents.
Criteria: Myopia was defined as a spherical equivalent (SE) of −0.50 diopters or less, the standard measurement for nearsightedness.
Objectives
Determine Global Prevalence: Estimate the current global prevalence of myopia among children and adolescents.
Assess Trends Over Time: Analyze how myopia rates have changed from 1990 to 2023.
Project Future Prevalence: Forecast myopia rates up to the year 2050 using time series modeling.
Identify High-Risk Groups: Examine prevalence variations across different regions, genders, age groups, and socioeconomic settings.
Key Findings: Increasing Prevalence and Future Projections
Significant Rise in Myopia Prevalence
1990 to 2023: The global prevalence of myopia increased from 24.32% to 35.81%.
Projected Rates: Expected to reach 36.59% by 2040 and 39.80% by 2050.
Total Cases: An estimated 740 million children and adolescents will be affected by 2050.
High-Risk Demographics
Geographical Hotspots:
East Asia: Highest prevalence at 35.22%.
Japan: Highest national prevalence at 85.95%.
Urban vs. Rural:
Urban Areas: Higher prevalence (28.55%) compared to rural regions.
Gender Differences:
Females: Slightly higher prevalence (33.57%) than males.
Age Groups:
Adolescents (13–19 years): Highest prevalence at 47.00%.
High School Students: Notably high at 45.71%.
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Increased Screen Time: Lockdowns led to reduced outdoor activities and increased near-work tasks, contributing to higher myopia rates.
Acceleration of Trends: The pandemic period saw a sharper rise in myopia prevalence among children.
Implications: Urgent Need for Global Intervention
Public Health Strategies
Awareness Campaigns: Educate about the importance of outdoor activities and limiting screen time.
Policy Changes: Implement guidelines to reduce academic pressure and encourage eye-friendly learning environments.
Regular Screening: Early detection programs in schools to identify and manage myopia promptly.
Future Research Directions
Region-Specific Studies: Tailored strategies for high-prevalence regions like East Asia.
Longitudinal Studies: Monitor cohorts over time to understand progression and risk factors.
Interventional Trials: Test effectiveness of preventive measures such as increased outdoor exposure and myopia control therapies.
Conclusion: Addressing the Global Myopia Epidemic
This research highlights a significant global increase in myopia among youth, with projections indicating a continued rise. Without effective interventions, the escalating trend poses challenges, including higher risks of vision impairment and associated economic burdens. Coordinated global efforts are essential to mitigate this trend and safeguard the ocular health of future generations.
Reference
Liang, J., Pu, Y., Chen, J., et al. (2024). Global prevalence, trend and projection of myopia in children and adolescents from 1990 to 2050: a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis. British Journal of Ophthalmology. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjo-2023-325427