Rising Rates of Shortsightedness in Preschool Children Linked to Pandemic Lockdowns
In a concerning study published by researchers at Ninewells Hospital, Dundee, and London University, a significant rise in shortsightedness (myopia) among preschool children following the COVID-19 lockdowns has been observed. The study analyzed data from Scotland’s See4School programme, which provides eye tests to all children aged three to five.
Significant Increase in Diagnoses
After the pandemic, over 1,000 preschoolers in Scotland were diagnosed with myopia, marking a 42% increase from pre-pandemic rates. Specifically, diagnoses rose from an annual average of 405 cases to 579 cases during the two-year period following lockdown. For instance, in 2013-14, there were 320 cases, while in 2021-22, the number surged to 586.
Experts Weigh In
Maggie Mellon, a former director of services for the charity Children 1st, expressed strong concerns, stating that the lockdowns negatively impacted children’s health and wellbeing. She argues that reducing screen time, encouraging outdoor activities, and ensuring families have sufficient income are crucial steps to mitigate the issue.
Evidence suggests that more time outdoors can protect against developing myopia
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Study’s Findings
The study, yet to undergo peer review, reveals that one in ten children failed vision screenings post-pandemic, raising concerns about the need for more frequent assessments during school years. Children in Greater Glasgow & Clyde and Lothian health board areas showed a higher likelihood of myopia, at double the rate of those in Highland or Ayrshire & Arran.
Possible Causes and Solutions
Professor Bruce Evans, who led the study, acknowledges that while the figures suggest a connection between lockdowns and the rise in myopia, further research is needed to prove causation. He points to abundant evidence that increased outdoor time can help prevent myopia. The study identifies changes in daily routines during the pandemic, such as more time spent indoors and less time outdoors, as potential contributors.
The Long-Term Impact of Myopia
Myopia increases the risk of developing serious eye diseases later in life, and the higher the level of myopia, the greater the risk. Conventional spectacles correct myopia but do not prevent its progression, leading practitioners to worry about more children developing advanced myopia at younger ages.
Global Implications
The findings echo similar reports from Feicheng, a city in China, where the incidence ofmyopia among children aged six to 13 surged to 22% for six-year-olds, with significant increases in seven and eight-year-olds, and nearly half of 13-year-olds exhibiting advanced myopia. This suggests a broader global public health concern.
A 2021 report on the findings warns that other parts of the world may face similar challenges, underscoring the urgent need for intervention strategies to protect children’s eye health.
Conclusion
The rise in shortsightedness among preschool children during the COVID-19 pandemic highlights the unintended consequences of prolonged indoor living and reduced physical activity. As we move forward, prioritizing outdoor activities, reducing screen time, and ensuring equitable access to health resources remain critical to safeguarding the vision of young children.
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