COVID lockdowns led to spike in kids’ vision problems, 1 in 3 now nearsighted, study finds

Fox News is offering special access to select articles and premium content for free by simply entering your email. A new study has shown that as many as 30% of children and teens worldwide were nearsighted in 2023, with rates expected to worsen over the next two decades. Factors such as gender, ethnicity, and culture play a role in myopia rates. The COVID-19 pandemic has been linked to a spike in nearsightedness due to increased screen time and decreased outdoor activity. Experts recommend promoting outdoor activities, managing screen time, scheduling regular eye exams, and participating in community initiatives to reduce the prevalence of myopia among youth.