October 15, 2024
By Dwight Akerman, OD, MBA, FAAO, FBCLA, FIACLE
Photo Credit: Dreamstime Photos
Accurately estimating the global prevalence of myopia is crucial for advocacy efforts, raising awareness, shaping health care policy, as well as allocating limited resources to reduce its prevalence and improve outcomes, particularly among children and adolescents.
The study by Liang et al. (2024) provides a comprehensive analysis of the global prevalence, trend, and projection of myopia in children and adolescents from 1990 to 2050. Myopia, or nearsightedness, is a significant public health concern, especially among the younger population, and understanding its prevalence and projected trends is crucial for public health planning and intervention strategies.
The researchers conducted an exhaustive literature search, covering the period from the inception of various databases to June 27, 2023, to gather data from studies conducted across all six continents. The analysis included 276 studies with a total of 5,410,945 participants from 50 countries, making this study one of the most comprehensive in scope.
The findings of the study revealed a gradual increase in the global prevalence of myopia from 1990 to 2023, with the pooled prevalence ranging from 24.32% to 35.81%. These figures are concerning, especially when considering the projections for the future. The study forecasts that the prevalence of myopia is expected to reach 36.59% in 2040 and 39.80% in 2050. These projections indicate a significant upward trend in the prevalence of myopia, raising concerns about the potential impact on public health systems and resources.
One of the study’s notable aspects is the identification of specific demographic groups with a higher prevalence of myopia. It was found that individuals residing in East Asia, urban areas, females, adolescents, and high school students exhibit a higher prevalence of myopia. These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions and public health initiatives tailored to these specific demographic groups.
The study’s comprehensive nature and large sample size provide valuable insights into the global burden of myopia in children and adolescents. By including data from diverse geographic regions and demographic groups, the study offers a robust foundation for understanding the complex dynamics of myopia prevalence worldwide.
In conclusion, the study by Liang et al. sheds light on the substantial global prevalence of childhood myopia, affecting approximately one-third of children and adolescents. The projected increase in myopia prevalence raises concerns about the future burden on public health systems and the potential impact on affected individuals’ quality of life. The findings underscore the importance of developing and implementing targeted interventions to address the rising prevalence of myopia, especially among high-risk demographic groups. Overall, this study serves as a valuable resource for policymakers, public health authorities, and researchers working toward mitigating the impact of myopia on global health.
Abstract
Global Prevalence, Trend and Projection of Myopia in Children and Adolescents from 1990 to 2050: A Comprehensive Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Liang, J., Pu, Y., Chen, J., Liu, M., Ouyang, B., Jin, Z., … & Chen, Y.
Background: Myopia is a pervasive global public health concern, particularly among the younger population. However, the escalating prevalence of myopia remains uncertain. Hence, our research aims to ascertain the global and regional prevalence of myopia, along with its occurrence within specific demographic groups.
Methods: An exhaustive literature search was performed on several databases covering the period from their inception to 27 June 2023. The global prevalence of myopia was determined by employing pooled estimates with a 95% CI, and further analysis was conducted to assess variations in prevalence estimates across different subgroups. Additionally, a time series model was utilized to forecast and fit accurately the future prevalence of myopia for the next three decades.
Results: This study encompasses a comprehensive analysis of 276 studies involving a total of 5,410,945 participants from 50 countries across all six continents. The findings revealed a gradual increase in the pooled prevalence of myopia, ranging from 24.32% (95% CI 15.23% to 33.40%) to 35.81% (95% CI 31.70% to 39.91%), observed from 1990 to 2023, and projections indicate that this prevalence is expected to reach 36.59% in 2040 and 39.80% in 2050. Notably, individuals residing in East Asia (35.22%) or in urban areas (28.55%), female gender (33.57%), adolescents (47.00%), and high school students (45.71%) exhibit a higher proportion of myopia prevalence.
Conclusion: The global prevalence of childhood myopia is substantial, affecting approximately one-third of children and adolescents, with notable variations in prevalence across different demographic groups. It is anticipated that the global incidence of myopia will exceed 740 million cases by 2050.
Liang, J., Pu, Y., Chen, J., Liu, M., Ouyang, B., Jin, Z., … & Chen, Y. (2024). Global prevalence, trend and projection of myopia in children and adolescents from 1990 to 2050: a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis. British Journal of Ophthalmology. Published Online First: 24 September 2024.
