Children’s eyesight worsens.
Nowadays, more kids are wearing glasses. Maybe even some of your friends are wearing them, too!
A new study says 1 in 3 kids worldwide have trouble seeing far away things. This is called myopia, or being short-sighted. When someone has myopia, things that are far away look blurry, and glasses can help them see better.
Experts say myopia is becoming a big problem and could affect millions of kids by 2050.
What more does the study say?
The study found that Asia has the most kids with myopia, while places like Paraguay and Uganda have fewer kids with myopia.
Since 1990, myopia has tripled, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. During lockdowns, kids spent more time on screens and less time playing outside, which hurt their eyes.
Myopia usually starts in elementary school and can get worse until about 20 years old. Genetics and where you live matter, too.
For example, kids in Singapore and Hong Kong start school early and spend lots of time on books and screens, which can strain their eyes. In Africa, kids start school later, so myopia is less common.
Common signs of myopia.
Sometimes, kids have trouble reading what’s written on the board in class or might sit too close to the TV or their laptops as things look blurry to them. This could be a sign of myopia.
Other signs of myopia include headaches, eye strain, and frequent eye rubbing. If you notice these, tell your parents and ask them to take you to an eye doctor. Remember, it’s essential to take care of your vision!
Protecting your eyes.
Do you want strong eyes? Try spending at least two hours outside every day. It’s fun and helps your eyes stay healthy!
To protect your vision, spend less time on screens, such as tablets and TVs. Also, when you’re studying, make sure your room is bright. Follow the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
