China, 25 September, 2024: HOYA Vision Care announced the results of an five-year epidemiological study in Scotland which aimed to investigate the correlations between myopia and socio-economic deprivation and urban / rural dwellings. Refractive error data from eye examinations (5,000-7,000 annually) in children aged 3.5-5.5 years were reviewed for three years pre-pandemic and two years post-pandemic.[1] The data showed that in this predominantly Caucasian population, proportions of children with myopia have increased post-COVID. The study was presented as part of the Free Paper session on risk factors at the prestigious IMC meeting in Sanya, China.
Dr. Miriam Conway, principal investigator of the study said: “In our study we found a strong association existed between living in flats/apartments and myopia, but no strong correlation with a deprivation index. This study adds to the growing evidence that long periods of home-confinement and increased use on electronic devices during the COVID-19 pandemic led to increased myopia rates among young children.”
Myopia progresses faster in children under 12 years old.[2] If left untreated, myopia can lead to complications in the future, such as glaucoma, cataracts, retinal detachment or myopic macular degeneration.[3]
The data from this epidemiological study in Scottish children reflects findings from an earlier epidemiology study in England: Evidence from a large database of vision screening data presented at IMC 2022. This study concluded that there were signs of reduced vision over the previous 7 years in England.[4]
“The prevalence of myopia in children worldwide continues to increase, posing a significant public health concern. It is more important than ever to ensure Eye Care Professionals have the information they need to meet the needs of diverse patients with confidence. HOYA Vision Care is committed to driving comprehensive scientific evidence in myopia as we continue to work to slow the progression of myopia in children and preserve their vision and eye health for the future,” said Griffith Altmann, Chief Technology Officer at HOYA Vision Care.
Myopia is a common cause of vision loss, with uncorrected myopia the leading cause of distance vision impairment globally.[5] At least 2.2 billion people globally have a near or distance vision impairment according to the World Health Organization (WHO)’s 2023 statistics.[6] Myopia, also known as short-sightedness, is estimated to affect half of the world’s population by 2050.5
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About HOYA Vision Care
For over 60 years, HOYA Vision Care has been a global leader in the eyeglass lens business. With a presence in more than 50 countries, HOYA Vision Care has proven expertise in lens designs and freeform surfacing technology, combined with a leading position in high-performance, quality AR coating. HOYA Vision Care’s solid market portfolio includes VISION EASE, SEIKO, and PENTAX optical lenses, as well as innovative products such as Yuniku, the world’s first vision-centric, 3D-tailored eyewear. The company employs over 16,000 employees worldwide, with mass production facilities in Asia & Europe and over 40 local Rx laboratories globally. For more information, visit hoyavision.com.
About HOYA Corporation
HOYA Corporation is a global technology and med-tech company and a leading supplier of innovative high-tech and medical products. HOYA is committed to becoming a leading company in niche markets through creativity and innovation. As part of this philosophy, we continue to research and develop quality products utilized in the healthcare and information technology fields. Founded in 1941 in Tokyo, Japan, HOYA has over 160 offices and subsidiaries worldwide and currently employs a multinational workforce of over 37,000 people. For more information, please visit hoya.com.
[1] Conway, M. Increasing myopia and associations with deprivation and rural/urban environments in children aged 3.5-5.5 years in Scotland. Presented 25th Sep, IMC 2024. Free paper 3: Risk Factors
[2] Tricard D, et al. Progression of myopia in children and teenagers:a nationwide longitudinal study. Br J Ophthalmol. 2022;106(8):1104-9.
[3] Haarman AEG, et al. The Complications of Myopia: A Review and Meta-Analysis. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2020;61(4):49.
[4] Shah, R. et al. Worsening vision at age 4-5 in England post-COVID: Evidence from a large database of vision screening data. Ophthalmic Physiol Opt. 2023; 43: 454-465. https://doi.org/10.1111/opo.13112.
[5] Holden, B.A. et al. Global Prevalence of Myopia and High Myopia and Temporal Trends from 2000 through 2050. Opthalmology. Volume 123, Issue 5p1036-1042May 2016
[6] World Health Organization, Blindness and vision impairment, Available at https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/blindness-and-visual-impairment (2023). Accessed: September 2024.