Myopia (Short-Sightedness) Cases Rising In India And Globally! Know Why?

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Increasing myopia or short-sightedness came to be one of the most severe public health challenges to face in India and the world. Myopia, characterized by distant blur but clear vision at close distance, has become increasingly common in children and young adults.

Myopia, or short-sightedness, is an emerging problem in India, with the number of cases steadily increasing over the last few decades. The prevalence of myopia in India varies according to the study setting but is generally between 4–20%. In urban areas, the prevalence is higher than in rural areas.

In the years between 1999 to 2019, the incidence of myopia among urban children aged between 5 to 15 years has changed from 4.44% to 21.15%. Hence, the predicted increase according to the slope of 0.8% for every year (4.05% in 5 years) of observation yields a future predicted prevalence of myopia at 31.89% in 2030, 40.01% in 2040, and finally 48.14% by 2050. An even overall increase of 10.53% prevalence of myopia, according to age, will occur in all cohorts over the next three decades (in 2020 onwards) due to the generational effects of a condition that tends to last for a lifetime once it is developed.

Myopia Stats Globally:

The global prevalence of myopia is increasing at a very rapid rate, especially in children and adolescents. In 2023, about 1 in 3 children around the world are thought to have myopia, and the population projections suggest that this number might approach nearly 40% by 2050. It is projected that the total number of people myopic will surpass the 740 million mark by the end of the century, rising from about 600 million by 2030.

The rate of increase in the incidence of myopia has been massive over the last couple of decades. For example, it went up from 24% in the early 1990s to 36% in 2023, with a significant rise due to the COVID-19 pandemic and much higher screen time and less activity outdoors. It is interesting that the topmost rates are from East Asia, with some countries like Japan, where 86% do report children affected, and South Korea follows closely with 74%.

Factors Influencing Myopia:

It is mediated by genetic and environmental risk factors since its origin goes beyond one's own capacity to deal with increased incidences of myopia, especially among the young. The larger contributor of these environmental factors has even been suspected to be rapid because of the rapid documentative increase in cases. They are genetically propensitised; children with myopic parents have a higher chance of developing malaise. Studies have shown an incidence of 25 to 30% that may develop in children if one parent is affected by it, and this risk doubles when both parents are myopic.


Increased screen time is one of the major causes of the increase in cases. Digital learning and entertainment were greatly emphasized during the COVID-19 pandemic, and indeed, it was during this time that children stayed continuously in front of their devices, spending hours every day with their eyes glued to a screen. This will worsen the disease, along with reduced outdoor activity, contrary to the brilliant sunlight exposure that healthy eye development needs.

This crisis is further compounded by rapid urbanization, as living in cities constrains outdoor opportunities. Thus the cumulative result of increased academic expectations and lifestyles more focused on activities indoors has made children spend even more time doing close-up tasks that additionally stress their vision. Addressing this malaise requires a multi-faceted response, including, outdoor activities, and management of screen time.

Early detection and timely intervention are considered effective in controlling the development and progression of myopia. Restricting a child's screen time and promoting the outdoors can also work.

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