Up to a billion people could be at risk of blindness by the middle of the century if an emerging short-sightedness (myopia) epidemic is ignored, say researchers at the Brien Holden Vision Institute.
They predict that half the world’s population (nearly five billion) will be myopic by 2050, with up to one-fifth of them (one billion) in the high myopia category and at a significantly-increased risk of blindness if behavioural interventions and optical treatments are not developed and implemented. Currently, it is estimated that over two billion people in the world suffer from myopia.
“On the occasion of World Sight Day on November 8 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 Kovin Naidoo, Acting CEO of the 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 Naidoo.
Protect the eye health of every child and adult and meet this major public health challenge of our time
Myopia has become particularly prevalent in East Asia, where in urban areas of Singapore, mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Japan and Korea the prevalence is 80 to 90 per cent among school leavers. But the problem is not limited to Asian countries, with data from Western countries like the United States showing that the rate has increased in the last 30 years, from 25 per cent in the1970s to 42 per cent in 2004.
“The major concern is with the vast number of people who are likely to progress to high levels of myopia, which brings with it a significantly-increased risk of potentially blinding conditions and vision impairment,” said 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.”
“Brien Holden Vision Institute urges parents and teachers to act now,” added Naidoo.
“Teachers and parents should ensure that children are screened for vision problems regularly, and be vigilant in detecting and acting on vision problems among children.”