Myopia: an epidemic that worries doctors

Soon all visionaries? According to ophthalmologists, it is a “real silent epidemic (non-viral)” that has been spreading for several years and mainly among young people. According to the WHO, by 2050, about five billion people in the world, that is, half of the world’s population, may suffer from myopia.

If today 2.5 billion people suffer from this vision disorder, twice as many as 40 years ago, myopia is still poorly recognized, contrary to all expectations. In France, from November 21 to 25, the Institute of Medical Education and Prevention (IEMP) is launching the first National Information and Screening Days.

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Between 30% and 35% of the French were affected

Myopia is a vision disorder characterized by clear near but distant vision. In a “normal” eye, the rays from the object converge and focus exactly on the retina. Conversely, in a myopic eye, light is focused in front of the retina rather than on the retina, which makes the eyes blurry. vision,” explains ARS.

Far from being a simple problem of glasses or lenses, it is even the fourth cause of blindness. “In general, myopia affects 30% to 35% of French people.^r Nicolas Leveziel, head of the ophthalmology department at Poitiers University Hospital. High myopia accounts for 5% of the general population, and very high myopia accounts for 0.5%.

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It pointed to a way of life

Even if myopia is genetically predisposed, certain risk factors increase the likelihood of developing this vision defect.

Phones, tablets, computers… these screens that occupy our daily lives are especially chosen by ophthalmologists. According to the INSEE survey published on Tuesday, only at the age of 2, more than a quarter of children begin to be exposed to screens (excluding television).

Thus, in the first six years of life, “only four out of ten children are permanently kept away from digital screens,” reveals the Elfe survey (French Longitudinal Study Since Childhood).

Too much screen time

On average, 2-year-olds spend about an hour in front of a screen every day. Evidence that this trivialization will not go without results shows that more than 20% of young people (ages 0-18) suffer from myopia.

Other studies also support the idea that a lack of natural light can increase the risk of developing myopia. Spending at least 40 minutes a day outdoors will therefore provide effective protection.

Other triggers: focusing your eyes on nearby objects, such as reading and writing. “An Australian study found that children who read an average of more than two books a week were more farsighted than children who read less,” the Institute for Medical Education and Prevention (IEMP) reports.

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Raise awareness

Myopia, wrongly thought to be fatal, can be curbed. To raise public awareness, IEMP is organizing the first edition of National Myopia Information and Screening Days until tomorrow.

This appointment, which is expected to be repeated, should allow the population to easily refer to a health care professional to detect possible onset of myopia or signs of complications related to established myopia.

Its motto: provide information to protect better. Simply visit www.ensemblecontrelamyopie.fr to benefit from a screening and/or control examination.

“If a quick vision test (10-15 minutes) reveals the onset of myopia or signs of progression (for patients already myopic), a prescription can be given and/or a more in-depth examination will be ordered if necessary,” IMPI points out. Admission conditions vary by center, consultation and vision examination may be free or paid.