About one-third of youth are nearsighted — rising figure, new study says

• The countries with the highest prevalence rates were Japan, Korea, Russia, Singapore and China.
• East Asians are also "more than twice as likely to be myopic as similar white peers," researchers estimated in the study.

By the numbers: The more than threefold increase in the prevalence of myopia from 1990 to 2023 was tracked by researchers based in Guangzhou, China.

• "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," the study said.

Between the lines: Following a "significant surge" in myopia at the end of the pandemic, researchers have raised concerns about the impact of COVID-19 lockdowns on eye health — people spent less time outdoors and more time on screens.

• But clear evidence remains underreported globally, the study said.

• Children in some East Asian countries start school at 2 or 3 years old, and "it is plausible that the earlier introduction to formal educational practices at a young age may influence the incidence of myopia during childhood," the study said.

What's next: The findings should prompt more public health focus on myopia, researchers wrote.

• "Accurately estimating the global prevalence of myopia is crucial for advocacy efforts, raising awareness, shaping healthcare policy, as well as allocating limited resources to reduce its prevalence and improve outcomes, particularly among children and adolescents," researchers wrote.

Go deeper: Eye docs: Look away from screens every 20 minutes