Rising myopia rates among children: Causes and solutions revealed in global study

In recent years, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns, a sharp increase in myopia cases among children has been observed. The prolonged lockdowns and the fact that many children were confined to their homes, spending most of their time in front of screens, have contributed to the rapid development of myopia.

A large-scale study analyzing data from 276 studies conducted in over 50 countries from 1990 to 2023 has highlighted a significant rise in the prevalence of myopia. Experts estimate that by 2050, half of the world's youth will suffer from myopia. These findings are especially concerning, emphasizing the need for awareness and preventive actions.

Causes of Myopia

"Our eyes function optimally when they are a certain size," explains Dr. Shiri Shulman, head of the ophthalmology department at Assuta Health Center in Tel Aviv. "When light rays entering the eye are focused precisely on the retina, vision is sharp and clear. However, when the eye grows too much, the light rays are focused in front of the retina, resulting in a blurry image. This is myopia."

Dr. Shulman notes that myopia can result from genetic factors—children are more likely to develop the condition if their family members have it. Environmental factors also play a key role in myopia development, with one of the primary causes being prolonged close-up work. Activities such as reading books, or extended screen time, particularly when the screen is held close to the eyes, increase the risk of myopia.

One of the more surprising aspects that has gained attention in recent years is the connection between sun exposure and myopia. Dr. Shulman points out that studies show children who spend too much time indoors and in front of screens, with insufficient outdoor exposure, are more likely to suffer from myopia. The reason lies, among other factors, in the benefits of sunlight for healthy eye development. "This also explains the sharp rise in myopia cases among children during the COVID-19 pandemic," says Dr. Shulman. "During that time, children were not exposed to enough sunlight."

It is recommended that children spend at least two hours a day outdoors. Exposure to natural light not only benefits the eyes but also promotes physical activity and supports a healthy lifestyle.

Preventing Myopia Progression with Special Lenses

Although myopia is a growing issue, there are ways to slow its progression. Dr. Shulman emphasizes the importance of recognizing early symptoms, such as blurry vision, and seeking a comprehensive eye exam with an ophthalmologist. Early detection can help prevent the condition from worsening.

There are several treatment options available to slow the progression of myopia. One option is the use of specially designed glasses to treat myopia. One such solution is MyoCare lenses, developed after years of research by the German company ZEISS.

"These lenses slow the progression of myopia in children," explains optometrist Eli Savion from ZEISS Vision Center. "Myopia, where light entering the eye focuses in front of the retina instead of on it, results in blurry vision for distant objects. This condition is particularly common in children and adolescents, and in recent years, it has become a global health challenge, largely due to increased screen time and prolonged close-up work."

"Myopia in children exacts a heavy toll, worsening as they grow older," adds Savion. "It can lead to eye problems in adulthood. Therefore, today's understanding is that it's essential to address myopia during childhood. During the rapid growth period in children, the eye's axial length increases, leading to higher prescription numbers."

The lenses Savion refers to work by slowing the progression of myopia through a special mechanism with two functions: the first corrects vision to achieve clarity, while the second slows myopia progression using a smart optical design that causes controlled blurring in the peripheral visual field. This mechanism targets peripheral light rays, which in regular glasses pass through the lenses and stimulate the elongation of the eye.

"Consistency in wearing the glasses is key to the treatment's success, which is why it's important to ensure that the lenses are comfortable and suited to the active lifestyle of children," says Savion. "Additionally, it's important to follow up after a few months according to the treatment plan to monitor and track myopia progression and ensure the treatment is effective."

Dr. Shulman also notes that specific eye drops prescribed by an ophthalmologist can help. "In addition, incorporating daily activities that promote eye health, such as exposure to sunlight and reducing close-up screen time, is essential for maintaining healthy vision," she concludes.