Half the world may be nearsighted in 2050
Half of the world, or 5 billion people, will be near-sighted or myopic by 2050. One fifth, o one billion people will have high level myopia and are at a high risk for blindness. The new research was done by Brien Holden Vision for us to, er, see the error in our ways.
Currently, it’s estimated that over 2 billion people in the world suffer from myopia. But researchers says that adapting proper habits may stop near-sightedness from getting worse.
“Today is World Sight Day and Brien Holden Vision Institute is calling on the world – from governments and health agencies, to civil society, parents and schools – to protect the eye health of every child and adult and meet this major public health challenge of our time,” said Professor Kovin Naidoo, Acting CEO, Brien Holden Vision Institute.
“Firstly, the public must be made aware that this threat exists. Secondly, we need researchers and public health practitioners to develop effective solutions. Thirdly, eye care professionals need to be better equipped to manage patients at risk,” added Professor Naidoo.
“Myopia is not curable or reversible, but there are promising interventions using optical and behavioural approaches that can help slow the progression and prevent people becoming highly myopic.” said Professor Naidoo.
According to the Institute, reducing the progression of myopia in individuals by 50%, will prevent almost 90% of myopes reaching high levels of myopia.
Act now
“Brien Holden Vision Institute urges parents and teachers to act now,” added Professor Naidoo. “Parents should encourage their children to spend time outdoors for at least two hours each day. They should also ensure children don’t spend too much time on electronic devices, such as tablets, mobile phones, electronic games, television and other activities which requires them to focus close up for long periods. Teachers and parents should ensure that children are screened for vision problems at regular intervals and can also be vigilant in detecting and acting on vision problems among children.”
“Specialised contact lenses and spectacles, which can be prescribed by eye care practitioners, have shown very promising results in controlling the progression of myopia. The institute is working with the private sector to develop a myopia management program to ensure that there is a comprehensive management of patients including health promotion and clinical interventions.
Category: Features, Health alert
