The Global Myopia Epidemic: Scientists Explain Why Myopia Is Spreading Rapidly
Myopia (nearsightedness) is spreading rapidly around the world and has already become one of the most widespread vision problems. According to scientists’ projections, by 2050, nearly half of the world’s population—about 4.8 billion people—will suffer from nearsightedness.
According to researchers, nearly one in three people worldwide already has myopia, and the number of people affected continues to rise steadily.
Researcher Sophie Coverdale of the University of Bradford emphasized that the situation is taking on the proportions of a global problem.
“I don’t think that’s an exaggeration, especially when you look at the projections,” she said, commenting on the characterization of myopia as a “global epidemic.”
Experts warn that the problem goes beyond simply having to wear glasses. Myopia increases the risk of developing serious eye diseases, including:
- retinal detachment;
- macular degeneration;
- glaucoma.
High myopia is particularly dangerous. Currently, about 500 million people suffer from it, and this number could double over the next 25 years. According to experts, it has the potential to become one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide.
Scientists explain that in myopia, light rays focus in front of the retina, causing a person to see distant objects blurrily.
The main cause is excessive elongation of the eyeball.
According to Sophie Coverdale, most children are born with a slightly shorter eyeball, but as they grow, it usually reaches the correct size. However, in some people, this process does not stop.
“It is this elongation that causes blurred vision and increases the risk of certain diseases,” the researcher explained.
A study involving 147 students found that in about one in five participants, the eyeball continued to elongate even into adulthood.
Although scientists have identified hundreds of genetic factors linked to the development of myopia, they cannot explain such a rapid increase in the number of patients.
The researchers concluded that living conditions play a decisive role, primarily intense academic workload and a lack of time spent outdoors.
Professor Ian Morgan of the Australian National University noted:
“We know that children who study intensively end up becoming more nearsighted.”
According to him, in China, Singapore, Taiwan, and South Korea, 80–90% of high school graduates are nearsighted.
Scientists cite regular time spent outdoors as one of the most effective ways to prevent myopia.
A study involving 4,000 children in Sydney showed that children who spent more time outdoors were significantly less likely to suffer from nearsightedness.
The reason is that daylight stimulates the production of dopamine, which slows the growth of the eyeball.
Taiwan serves as a striking example: since 2010, children there have been required to spend at least two hours a day outdoors. After the program was implemented, the prevalence of myopia among children fell by nearly half.
Contrary to popular belief, science has not yet proven a direct link between smartphone or computer use and the development of myopia.
A 2025 study involving more than 300,000 people showed that the risk of myopia increased by approximately 21% with each additional hour of screen time, but only up to four hours a day.
Professor Nicola Logan of Aston University explained that the risk lies not in the screen itself, but in prolonged close-up work—such as reading, studying, or examining fine details.
Experts emphasize that myopia cannot be completely cured, but modern medicine can significantly slow its progression.
Among the most effective methods are:
- MiSight contact lenses, which slow the elongation of the eyeball;
- orthokeratology night lenses, which temporarily reshape the cornea;
- low-dose atropine eye drops;
- red light therapy (RLRL), which involves two three-minute sessions daily.
According to the researchers, a combination of modern treatment methods, regular walks in the fresh air, and reducing prolonged close-up eye strain can help significantly slow the progression of myopia and lower the risk of serious complications in the future.
This was reported by Science Focus.
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