Study finds COVID lockdowns contribute to rise in nearsightedness among children and teens

A new study shows that 30% of children and teens worldwide were nearsighted in 2023, a significant increase attributed to COVID-19 lockdowns. The research indicates that myopia rates are expected to worsen, with nearly 740 million young people projected to be affected by 2050. The study analyzed data from over 5.4 million participants across 50 countries. It found the highest rates of nearsightedness in East Asia, urban areas, and among adolescents, particularly high school students. Increased screen time and reduced outdoor activity during the pandemic are believed to have contributed to this rise. Experts recommend promoting outdoor activities, managing screen time, and scheduling regular eye exams to combat the growing myopia crisis. They emphasize the importance of early detection and intervention to prevent severe vision problems later in life.