In 2023, over a third of children worldwide were nearsighted, and this figure is projected to rise to nearly 40% by 2050, according to new research published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology. Nearsightedness, or myopia, is when distant objects appear blurry while close ones are clear. The study, conducted by researchers from Sun Yat-sen University in China, analyzed data from 276 studies involving 5.4 million children and adolescents across 50 countries.
Nearsightedness is expected to keep rising among children and adolescents. Dibyangshu Sarkar/AFP/Getty Images
The research revealed a sharp increase in myopia, particularly after the Covid-19 pandemic, with East Asian children showing the highest rates. In Japan, 86% of children are nearsighted, and South Korea follows with 74%. Factors contributing to this include early formal education in East Asia, urban living, and increased screen time.
Experts recommend preventive measures, such as encouraging children to spend more time outdoors, reducing screen use, and following the "20-20-20 rule"—taking 20-second breaks every 20 minutes to look 20 feet away. These habits, combined with eye exams and early treatment, could help slow the progression of nearsightedness.
