This eye condition is on the rise in children

Myopia, more commonly referred to as nearsightedness, is becoming increasingly prevalent among children. In fact, in 2023, nearly one-third of children in the world were nearsighted.

That’s according to recent research published in the “British Journal of Opthalmology.” Researchers noticed a gradual increase in pediatric cases of nearsightedness since 1990 and a notable spike after the COVID pandemic. The researchers project that myopia will continue to rise, reaching a prevalence of nearly 40% by 2050.

What might be behind this increase?

While things like eye shape and genetics play a role in causing nearsightedness, other factors that can lead to the condition include prolonged close-up activities, such as reading, screen time and limited time spent outdoors.

“Vision problems can cause many difficulties for children, including trouble seeing the board at school, a harder time participating in physical activities, like sports, and even reading delays,” says Dr. Dalila Irons Holland, a pediatrician at Advocate Children’s Hospital. “Myopia is fairly common, but there are steps parents can take to reduce their child’s risk of nearsightedness.”

Dr. Irons Holland offers the following tips to help care for your child’s vision:

Keep up with regular annual eye exams

Vision problems, including nearsightedness, can appear gradually, so they can be difficult to notice. By bringing your child to regular eye exams, nearsightedness is more likely to be discovered sooner and treatment can begin faster.

Decrease your child’s screentime

Children who spend prolonged periods of time on devices of any kind are more likely to develop nearsightedness

Get your kids outside

Have your kids spend more time outside doing physical activity and less time doing sedentary activities in the home. Research has suggested time spent outdoors helps decrease the likelihood of myopia.

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