HEALTH

WHO warning: 'By 2050 there will be 50 per cent of the world's nearsighted people'

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has sounded the alarm about the danger of myopia, which is expected to afflict around 50 per cent of the Earth's population by 2050. This is also due to our changing lifestyle, which forces us to spend many hours a day indoors and in front of electronic devices.

Although nowadays myopia is something that can be corrected in most cases, it has been shown that the increase in cases has a strong correlation with both genetic and above all environmental factors. 

Indeed, an increasing number of young adults, or even teenagers, are suffering from this disorder. Interventions are becoming less and less invasive with shorter recovery times. Despite this, the WHO is sounding the alarm to try to curb this upward trend.

Freepik
More than 50% of the population is heading toward myopia by 2050
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has sounded the alarm about the danger of myopia, which is expected to afflict around 50 per cent of the Earth's population by 2050. This is also due to the change in our lifestyle, which forces us to spend many hours a day indoors and in front of electronic devices.
Freepik
More than 50% of the population is heading toward myopia by 2050
Although nowadays myopia is something that can be corrected in most cases, it has been shown that the increase in cases has a strong correlation with both genetic and above all environmental factors.
Freepik
More than 50% of the population is heading toward myopia by 2050
Nowadays, there are three valid therapies to solve the problem of myopia. Each therapy obviously has its own specific cases and differences. The simplest remedy is obviously wearing glasses and contact lenses. The second is laser therapy, which is however indicated when the eye condition stops worsening and remains stable for a period. The third is innovative, and that is intraocular lenses. They are called ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens), and are made of a soft, thin, pliable material, and in the course of a short outpatient operation are placed between the crystalline lens and the pupil of the eye.
Freepik
More than 50% of the population is heading toward myopia by 2050
Sandro Soldati, an ophthalmologist from Verona (Italy) and head of the Centro Neo Vista Laser, explains: "A short operation lasting only a few minutes under local anaesthesia is enough to implant the LCIs and immediately regain nine to twelve tenths of vision. The effect is practically immediate".
Freepik
More than 50% of the population is heading towards myopia by 2050
Dr Soldati goes on to explain: 'The recovery period after surgery is very short. They are particularly suitable for adults and young adults who can fully benefit from the freedom of a life without vision problems'. The wellbeing of the eye goes beyond the purely physical benefit. Think about how many people in the world give up, for example, playing sports because of vision problems.
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