A meta-analysis by researchers in China has shown global myopia prevalence is anticipated to grow from a third to two-fifths of children by 2050, which they partly attributed to the effects of Covid-19 lockdowns. 

Researchers at Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou reviewed 276 studies, involving a total of almost 5.5 million participants from 50 countries across six continents. Their findings revealed a gradual increase in pooled prevalence of myopia, ranging from 24.32–35.81%, observed from 1990–2023, with projections indicating it will reach 36.59% in 2040 and 39.80% – exceeding 740 million cases – in 2050. 

“Emerging evidence suggests a potential association between the pandemic and accelerated vision deterioration among young adults,” they wrote. “It is crucial to recognise that myopia may become a global health burden in the future.”