College study tracks myopia development

A study into the development of childhood myopia has reportedly shown increased prevalence among children – possibly owing to less exposure to daylight.

The College of Optometrists responded to a story on the front page of The Times newspaper reporting higher myopia incidence compared with the 1960s.

The College said it was part-funding the Ulster University’s Northern Ireland Childhood Errors of Refraction study in order to track the development of children’s vision, including myopia.

Its latest report, detailing how myopia develops over a six-year period through childhood, was currently being prepared for publication.

Michael Bowen, director of research for the College of Optometrists, said there was evidence from a variety of sources that the prevalence of myopia has increased significantly in the last 15 to 20 years, with the largest increases seen in East Asia.