Myopia Progression and Prevention

• One in three children worldwide could need corrective glasses by 2050, with East Asia being the worst affected.
• The study predicts a rise in myopia prevalence from 24.32% to 39.91% from 1990 to 2023, projected to rise to 36.59% by 2040 and 39.80% by 2050.
• Myopia is prevalent in 47% of East Asian adolescents and 45.71% of high school students.
• Factors contributing to myopia include changing lifestyles, environmental factors, and increased reliance on digital devices.
• The COVID-19 pandemic has increased reliance on digital devices, leading to a spike in myopia rates.
• Inactivity and reliance on smartphones have increased myopia rates.
• Parents and teachers can identify myopia early by observing signs such as frequent eye rubbing, recurrent styes, squinting, or holding objects close to the face.
• Eye care education, outdoor activities, and reducing screen time are recommended to slow myopia progression.
• Schools should proactively change the curriculum to include outdoor activities and promote breaks.
• Preventive measures and innovative treatment strategies like orthokeratology and low-dose atropine eye drops are also recommended.