Eye doctors have been concerned for some time that rates of nearsightedness, also called myopia, have been increasing. This is especially notable in children. The problem seems to have grown more acute during the COVID-19 pandemic. With additional data on the severity of the situation, parents and healthcare experts are interested in ways to prevent nearsightedness.
Research Focuses on Nearsightedness:
An analysis indicates that the rate of myopia has risen from 24 percent in 1990 to 36 percent in 2023 (British Journal of Ophthalmology, Sept 24, 2024). The research covered 276 studies with a total of more than 5 million children and adolescents. The investigators, based in Guangzhou, China, found that the increase was dramatic following the COVID-19 pandemic.
The prevalence of myopia is highest among east Asian children, who tend to start their formal education at age two or three. Younger children seem to be more vulnerable to environmental factors. The scientists project that by 2050 over 700 million children and teens worldwide could be suffering from myopia.
How Could We Prevent Nearsightedness?
We can’t put the genie back in the bottle. After all, cell phones, tablets and other electronic devices have become integrated into daily life. Reversing the trend now seems impossible. If schools and parents could encourage more play time outside, though, it’s possible that the pandemic of myopia could be stabilized.
Previous research has indicated that kids who spend more time outdoors playing are less likely to develop the eye shape that leads to near-sightedness. Earlier research published in JAMA Ophthalmology suggests that teenagers and young adults exposed to more ultraviolet B radiation from sunlight have a lower risk for myopia later in life.
Results from the European Eye Study:
A separate analysis of data from the European Eye Study also identified ultraviolet light exposure as offering some protection. The participants were Europeans aged 65 and older. More than 4,000 of them showed up to have their vision measured to determine if they were myopic.
Those who remembered an increased exposure to ultraviolet B light between the ages of 14 and 39 reduced their odds of nearsightedness substantially. Unfortunately, however, ultraviolet light exposure carries risks of its own. Dermatologists worry about an increased risk for skin cancer, including melanoma. Eye doctors are concerned about the greater chance of cataracts due to ultraviolet light (British Journal of Ophthalmology, May 2020).
How Does Time Outside Affect Myopia?
A meta-analysis of three studies with nearly 13,000 schoolkids found that spending more time outside can prevent nearsightedness (Ophthalmic Research, Jan-Dec. 2024). On the other hand, being outside does not seem to stop the progression of myopia. Nonetheless, perhaps it’s time to encourage youngsters to spend more time outdoors instead of staring at computer screens, using smart phones and playing video games.
How to Protect Your Vision:
This is not the first we have heard of the benefits of time outside for children’s eyes. You may wish to listen to our hour-long interview with ophthalmologist Peter McDonnell for more information. We discussed how to protect your vision.
