Examining the global prevalence of myopia

New analysis published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology has examined the global prevalence of myopia.

After reviewing 276 studies across 50 countries and all six continents, researchers estimated the current global prevalence of myopia among children and young people to be 30.47%.

The scientists predict that global prevalence will reach 39.80% by 2050 – when it is estimated that there will be more than 740 million cases of myopia worldwide.

The authors highlighted that myopia prevalence varies significantly between different demographic groups. A higher proportion of people living in East Asia and urban areas have myopia, with prevalence rates of 35.22% and 28.55% respectively.

Myopia rates are also higher among females (33.57%), adolescents (47%) and high school students (45.71%).

“These findings are an important step towards understanding the trends in myopia over time, particularly in populations experiencing rapid transitions in myopia and the significant surge during the special period of the COVID-19 pandemic,” the authors highlighted.

The researchers predict that by 2050 Asia will have the highest prevalence of myopia of all the continents, with 68.78% of children and adolescents in Asia predicted to be myopic by this date.

The authors emphasised the need to introduce public health measures to limit the occurrence of myopia.

“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,” they shared.

“Additionally, it is recommended to provide health education on myopia prevention, conduct regular physical examinations, and promote early detection and treatment,” the authors noted.