August 1, 2024
By Dwight Akerman, OD, MBA, FAAO, FBCLA, FIACLE
Photo Credit: Getty Images
In the review article “A myopia epidemic is sweeping the globe. Here’s how to stop it” by Dolgin (2024), published in the respected and impactful journal Nature, the author discusses the growing global problem of myopia and proposes potential solutions to address it. The article explores the increasing prevalence of myopia, particularly in younger populations, and the significant implications this trend carries for public health.
The author presents compelling evidence to support the assertion that myopia has reached the level of an epidemic, citing rising rates of myopia around the world, especially in East Asia. The article emphasizes the multifactorial nature of myopia, implicating both genetic and environmental factors in its development. Notably, the increased prevalence of myopia is associated with lifestyle changes, such as decreased time spent outdoors and increased near-work activities, including the use of digital devices. Dolgin reminds us that the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted children’s learning methods with a shift from real-life classrooms to virtual meetings and digital devices. This change has led to an increase in the time children spend focusing on screens and nearby objects, while time spent outdoors has drastically decreased.
The author also delves into the potential public health impact of the myopia epidemic, highlighting the increased risk of vision impairment and associated ocular complications in individuals with high myopia. In addition to the personal burden experienced by individuals living with myopia, the article underscores the broader societal and economic consequences of this public health issue.
Crucially, Dolgin offers insights into how the myopia epidemic can be mitigated and potentially reversed. The article explores various strategies for addressing myopia, including interventions to promote outdoor activities, changes in educational practices to reduce near-work demands, and the potential role of pharmacological treatments. The author also discusses the importance of public health initiatives and policy interventions to raise awareness of myopia and implement effective prevention measures.
Moreover, Dolgin emphasizes the significance of further research to advance our understanding of myopia and develop evidence-based strategies for its prevention and management. The article highlights the need for interdisciplinary collaboration between researchers, clinicians, educators, and policymakers to tackle the myopia epidemic comprehensively.
In conclusion, Dolgin’s article provides a comprehensive overview of the myopia epidemic and its implications, as well as potential strategies to address this pressing public health concern. The author’s insights underscore the urgency of taking action to mitigate the growing prevalence of myopia and its associated consequences. By shedding light on the multifaceted nature of myopia and the potential avenues for intervention, this article contributes to the growing discourse on myopia and public health, urging stakeholders to work towards evidence-based solutions to curb the spread of myopia and safeguard visual health on a global scale.
Abstract
A Myopia Epidemic is Sweeping the Globe. Here’s How to Stop It.
Time spent outdoors is the best defense against rising rates of short-sightedness, but scientists are searching for other ways to reverse the troubling trend.
Dolgin, E. (2024). A myopia epidemic is sweeping the globe. Here’s how to stop it. Nature, 629(8014), 989-991.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-024-01518-2
