Study: One billion people at risk of blindness by 2050

A short-sightedness epidemic is emerging, and ignoring it may cause one billion people to go blind by the middle of the century, according to researchers at the Brien Holden Vision Institute in Sydney, Australia.

Short-sightedness, or myopia, is an eye condition where distant objects cannot be seen clearly. It is fast becoming a major public health issue, as it doubles the risk of serious ocular health problems such as glaucoma, retinal trauma, malfunction and detachment, which can lead to vision loss and blindness.

At present, more than two billion people in the world are estimated to suffer from short-sightedness or myopia. The team predicts that by 2050, this will increase to five billion, with up to one-fifth of them in the high myopia category. The condition puts them at an increased risk of blindness, if behavioural interventions and optical treatments are not developed and implemented, according to the researchers.

“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,” said Professor Kovin Naidoo, acting CEO, Brien Holden Vision Institute.

Myopia has become particularly widespread in the East Asia region, where prevalence in urban areas is 80 to 90 percent among school leavers. However, the problem is not limited to Asian countries alone. In Australia, for example, myopia affects one in five people, according to the institute.

While myopia is not curable or reversible, there are promising interventions using optical and behavioural approaches that can help slow the progression of the condition and prevent people from becoming highly myopic, Naidoo said. The Institute reported that reducing the progression of myopia in individuals by 50 percent will prevent almost 90 percent of myopes accelerating to high levels of myopia.

Naidoo said parents should encourage their children to spend time outdoors for at least two hours each day. They should also ensure kids do not spend too much time on electronic devices, such as tablets, mobile phones and television, as well as other activities which require them to focus their eyes for long periods. He also urged teachers and parents to ensure that children are screened for vision problems at regular intervals and to be vigilant in detecting and acting on vision problems among children.

Specialised contact lenses and eyeglasses have shown very promising results in controlling the progression of myopia, Naidoo said. He shared that the institute is exploring partnerships with the private sector for the development of a myopia management programme.

Contact the writer at feedback@ibtimes.com.au or tell us what you think below.