Nowadays children are twice likely to be short-sighted than the youngsters in 1960s. This is based on the result of the study done by the Ulster University scientists tracking over 1,000 children ages six and above and comparing the results to that of those tracked 50 years ago.
Experts suspect that less exposure to daylight and more time spent indoors staring at computer screens could be the possible reasons behind the result of the study.
Myopia, also known as short-sightedness, has increased rapidly in the past five decades. It is continuing to increase, and younger children are being more susceptible to such eye problem. It was found to most likely develop in children from ages six to 13, and slows down on the succeeding ages.
In the 1960s, 7.2 percent of children ages 10-16 were found to be myopic, whereas today, 16.4 percent of children ages 12 to 13 suffer from short-sightedness. With the results increasing twice in the past 50 years, experts advise parents to help their children protect their eyes, as Myopia is one developing beyond genetic factors, according to The Daily Mail.
A few hours spent outdoors is one of effective ways in decreasing the risk of Myopia as it increases the Vitamin D level in the body.
"We are keeping on testing these kids and one of the side arms of the study is to look at their vitamin D levels and the effects those levels have," said Kathryn Saunders, an Ulster University's Professor.
South Korea recorded a 96.5 percent of Myopic cases in people 19 years of age while China tracked 85 percent of the university students needing eyeglasses. That is why China has tried several preventive actions for Myopia such as exposing students to natural lights so they used transparent classrooms in a bid. They also conducted a study wherein 40 minutes of additional exposure to sunlight resulted in 23 percent reduction of Myopia in children, according to Fryinds.
