The results of a large-scale study by Chinese scientists have been published in The British Journal of Ophthalmology, The Guardian reports.

According to an analysis conducted by experts from Sun Yat-sen Zhongshan University in Guangzhou, the prevalence of myopia has increased significantly since 1990: in 1990-2000, myopia was recorded in 24% of children and adolescents, by 2020-2023 this figure increased to 36%. According to scientists, by 2050, myopia will be diagnosed in about 40% of young people aged 5 to 19 years.

The findings were based on data from 276 studies involving more than 5 million children and adolescents from 50 countries, including Europe, America, Asia, Africa and Oceania. Almost 2 million cases of myopia have been recorded in these countries.

At the same time, it is expected that the prevalence of myopia in girls and girls will be higher than in boys, and more among adolescents aged 13-19 years compared with younger children. The researchers suggested that the gender differences could be explained by the fact that girls reach puberty earlier than boys and tend to spend less time outdoors, read more and spend more time studying educational materials at close range.

In addition, scientists have suggested that the coronavirus pandemic could worsen the situation. They also suggested that teenagers spent more time in front of computer screens and gadgets during the pandemic.

Scientists recommend spending more time outdoors, exercising and trying to reduce the time in front of screens.