40% of children will soon be nearsighted, and COVID-19 is partly to blame

More and more children are experiencing vision problems. What are the underlying causes of this worrying trend? Glasses are increasingly appearing on young noses, yet the scale of the phenomenon remains little known.

Nearsightedness, a very common visual impairment, currently affects one in three children. Projections for 2050 are alarming, with a global risk for this population of 40% being affected. What are the reasons for this?


A recent study conducted by researchers at Sun Yat-sen University reveals a notable increase in nearsightedness among young people. The data analyzed comes from over 5 million children and adolescents, reflecting a concerning reality. This eye condition is typically corrected by wearing glasses.

Several factors contribute to this sharp rise in nearsightedness. Urbanization, early schooling, and increased screen time are cited. Girls seem to be particularly affected.

Moreover, nearsightedness rates vary by region. In Asia, alarming figures emerge, with 85% of children being nearsighted in Japan. In contrast, the African continent shows a lower prevalence, likely due to a later start to education and limited access to screens.

The study also reveals that the COVID-19 pandemic has worsened this situation. Prolonged lockdowns led to a decrease in outdoor activities, which may have further deteriorated children's eye health. The drastic change in lifestyle due to the health crisis should not be underestimated.

Another study published in the British Medical Journal supports these findings by highlighting a rapid increase in numbers since the 1990s. The trend is clear: nearsightedness in children is on the rise, especially in urban areas.

Researchers stress the importance of regular vision check-ups. Parents should be alert to early signs of nearsightedness, such as difficulties reading from a distance or frequent headaches. Prevention also involves reducing screen time and promoting physical activities.

In the face of this silent epidemic, awareness is essential. Current habits could lead to a public health burden on a global scale. Nearsightedness, much more than just a simple visual impairment, calls for collective awareness.

What is nearsightedness and how does it develop?

Nearsightedness is a visual impairment characterized by difficulty seeing distant objects. It results from a deformation of the eye, which is often too long or has a cornea that is too curved, leading to incorrect focusing of light. Nearsighted individuals see nearby objects clearly but perceive distant ones as blurry.

This condition can appear in childhood and tends to worsen as a person grows. Several factors, such as genetics, environment, and lifestyle habits, influence its development. The increase in time spent on activities requiring close vision, such as reading or screen use, has been associated with the growing prevalence of nearsightedness.