REFRACTIVE DISORDERS IN SCHOOL-AGED CHILDREN DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Abstract

Myopia is a serious medical and social problem. Among the causes of blindness and low vision, myopia ranks third. The prevalence of myopia has increased significantly over the past decade, occurring more frequently in Asian countries than in Western ones. In urban Asian communities, its prevalence exceeds 80% [1,2,3]. If the current trend continues, the World Health Organization (WHO) predicts that by 2050, up to 50% of the world’s population may be affected by myopia [4,5,6]. In the United States, the prevalence of myopia increased from 25% to 44% between 1972 and 2004 [7,8,9]. It remains much lower in less developed regions, such as the Sherpa population in Nepal. According to various authors, the prevalence of myopia and myopic astigmatism among young, working-age individuals in Russia, the USA, and the European Union ranges between 27% and 45%. The rise in myopia is associated with higher educational levels, increased stress, prolonged use of digital devices such as laptops, tablets, and mobile phones, and reduced time spent outdoors. The COVID-19 pandemic has further contributed to the progression of myopia. Literature sources indicate that remote learning negatively affected myopia dynamics in children due to reduced outdoor activity, longer screen time, and greater use of electronic devices during the pandemic.