Researchers are calling for recognition that short-sightedness could become a global health burden in future with around one third of young people affected by the eye condition.
Objects and scenery that are further away appear blurry for people who are short-sighted.
The meta-analysis study from Sun Yat-Sen University in China combined data from 276 studies involving 5.4 million children and teens across 50 countries in Asia, Europe, Africa, Oceania, North and Latin America.
The study showed the prevalence of short-sighted young people was 24% in 1990-2000 and rose to 36% in 2020-2023.
“These findings also significantly contribute to our understanding of the global prevalence of myopia, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic,” researchers state.
“It emphasises the need for urgent attention to this public health issue in guiding policy decisions.”
Data projections are for nearly 40% of young people to have the condition in 2050, or more than 740 million cases.
University of Auckland optometrist Sachi Rathod is one of the staff members operating Vision Bus Aotearoa, which provided eye testing and glasses to students and community members in need.
“We’re definitely seeing this sort of rising trend towards short-sightedness which is a bit alarming in our kids,” she said.
Otahuhu College deputy head girl Matalupe Teputepu had her eyes tested, and for a second time it’s been confirmed she is short-sighted.
“Even in the classroom sometimes I had to go and sit at the front of the classroom just to even see the board,” she said.
Matalupe said the Government’s policy to ban public school students from accessing mobile phones during the day has been useful for people socialising in person more and spending less time on a screen.
She urged other young people to take action to improve their eyesight.
“A lot of kids shouldn’t be shy to wear glasses or shouldn’t be scared to check their eyes or be embarrassed to check their eyes because it is good for their health and it is good for the future,” she said.
The study found those in East Asia, residents in urban areas, females, adolescents and high school students had a higher proportion of myopia. Short-sightedness is particularly a problem in developing and underdeveloped regions in the world, the research states.
“Myopia typically starts in early childhood and tends to worsen as individuals progress from childhood to adolescence and eventually into adulthood,” researchers said.
“Younger students are generally more susceptible and vulnerable to environmental factors compared with adults.”
Researchers say it’s crucial countries establish evidence-based approaches that are innovative and thorough to prevent myopia.
“It is important for young individuals to develop the habit of regularly practising eye-protective measures,” the study states.
Less time in front of screens
It’s recommended children and teenagers spend more time physically active and decrease time spent sedentary watching TV and videos, playing computer games and using the internet.
“In view of the rising prevalence of myopia in school-age children, government health administration departments should implement policies aimed at reducing the burden of excessive homework and off-campus tutoring on young students.
“Additionally, it is recommended to provide health education on myopia prevention, conduct regular physical examinations, and promote early detection and treatment,” researchers state.
Rathod urged whānau to get children’s eyes tested every two years, saying youngsters will often not identify symptoms of an eyesight problem themselves.
Rathod wanted to see an increase in New Zealand eye condition data collection, including testing the eyesight of students nationally.
She’s also calling for eligibility for Government-funding for glasses to be extended.
“Working on the Vision Bus we run through some of the most low decile schools in Auckland and we know for a fact that a lot of these families don’t have Community Services Cards but still need help from us.”
