The Myopia Pandemic: Is the Mainstream Media Ignoring This Urgent Global Issue?
- Jason Higginbotham
- Feb 26
- 5 min read
Updated: Apr 28
The world is facing a silent but devastating public health crisis: the rapid rise of myopia (short-sightedness), particularly among children and young adults. In some parts of Southeast Asia, myopia rates exceed 80% among teenagers, and the trend is accelerating globally. Genetics plays a significant role in myopia in Southeast Asia, but elsewhere, lifestyle is the major contributory factor.
Research has linked this explosion in myopia cases to increased screen time, reduced outdoor activity, and near-work strain—yet mainstream media coverage remains surprisingly muted.
A Conflict of Interest? The Role of Big Tech in the Myopia Crisis
The lack of media attention to the myopia pandemic raises an uncomfortable question: could major technology companies be exerting influence to downplay the issue? Manufacturers of smartphones, tablets, computers, and gaming consoles—such as Apple, Samsung, and Sony—depend on high engagement from young users. Not only do they generate revenue from selling devices, but they also profit from app sales, subscriptions, and digital advertising.
Some argue that the myopia pandemic simply isn’t interesting enough to warrant coverage. There is no doubt that global conflicts, political sleaze and other major events would seem to overshadow this seemingly trivial problem. But there lies the issue. How significant is this problem really? In Japan, for example, myopia is already the leading cause of new monocular blindness cases. Is that trend occurring elsewhere? We’ll explore that in another article.
If public health campaigns successfully convinced parents to reduce children’s screen time significantly, the impact on Big Tech’s bottom line could be substantial. Governments and independent health bodies are increasingly warning about the dangers of prolonged screen exposure, yet these warnings rarely receive the same level of media coverage as, say, social media addiction or gaming disorder.
In 2024, myopiafocus.org conducted a survey with UK parents and found 92% of respondents had not heard about myopia in any news or press articles. Read the full report here.
The Business of Attention: Is the Media Compromised?
Most major news outlets rely heavily on advertising revenue, with tech giants like Google, Meta, and Apple being some of the largest spenders. Would a media company willingly run extensive reports on how screens are contributing to an epidemic of poor eyesight when their biggest advertisers are the very companies producing those screens?
Journalists and researchers who attempt to expose the dangers of excessive screen use may face an uphill battle. Articles about digital eye strain or the importance of outdoor time may occasionally surface, but there has been no widespread, consistent push to inform the public about the long-term risks of childhood myopia. Instead, coverage often focuses on quick fixes like blue light filters or ergonomic workstation setups—solutions that do little to address the underlying problem. This is why myopiafocus.org is committed to wider public awareness of the potential causes of myopia.
Are Tech Companies Doing Enough?
In response to mounting criticism, some tech giants have introduced tools designed to reduce screen time. Apple’s Screen Time feature allows parents to monitor and limit usage, while Samsung has introduced features like eye comfort mode and warnings when users are too close to their screens. Sony’s PlayStation parental controls can limit gaming hours, and platforms like Instagram and TikTok now include prompts encouraging breaks.
But are these efforts genuine or merely an attempt to mitigate public backlash? After all, these companies still design their products to maximize engagement, using algorithms and interface designs that encourage prolonged use. A pop-up, reminding users to take a break, does little if the entire system is built around keeping them hooked.
More worrying, and somewhat off topic, is the rise of AI in controlling these algorithms. The algorithms have one goal, increasing engagement and screen time. This is what sells advertising.
How then can social media be trusted to ‘police’ itself in terms of managing screen time?
A Shift in Policy: Australia’s Ban on Social Media for Under-16s
Governments are beginning to act. In Australia, new legislation will ban social media use for children under 16, citing concerns about mental health and online safety. While the law primarily targets social media addiction, its indirect effect may be a reduction in screen time overall—potentially helping combat myopia rates as well. This is mentioned as another reason behind the ban.
Could this be the start of a broader movement? If more governments impose restrictions on screen use for children, it could significantly alter how young people interact with digital devices. Yet, without widespread media coverage on the severity of the myopia crisis, such policies may struggle to gain momentum elsewhere.
Then there is the spectre of lobbyists. Their power in changing government positions is very real and very effective.
The Need for Independent Oversight
Is the global myopia crisis too serious to be ignored? Governments, healthcare professionals, and independent researchers must step up where mainstream media and tech companies have failed. Public health campaigns must emphasize not only the importance of reducing screen time but also the need for more outdoor play and breaks from near-work activities.
Parents, too, have a role to play. While Big Tech may not willingly take the lead in tackling this crisis, families can make informed choices to protect children’s vision. Encouraging outdoor activities, setting daily limits on device use, and promoting good visual habits can all help slow the rise of myopia.
Recent Reports – What do they Indicate?
Myopia is a refractive error where distant objects appear blurred while close objects are seen clearly. Its prevalence has increased markedly over the past few decades. A comprehensive analysis of data from over five million children across 50 countries revealed that the global prevalence of myopia has tripled since the 1990s. Notably, countries like Japan and South Korea report rates as high as 85% and 73%, respectively.
Several factors contribute to this rise, with increased screen time and reduced outdoor activities being significant contributors. A meta-analysis encompassing 45 studies and over 335,000 participants found that each additional hour of daily screen time raises the risk of developing myopia by 21%. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated this trend, as lockdowns led to more indoor activities and screen exposure, further accelerating myopia cases among children.
Conclusion: A Crisis Hidden in Plain Sight
The question remains: why is the media so slow in reporting on the myopia pandemic? One potential answer could be that exposing the issue threatens the profits of some of the world’s most powerful corporations. Is this just hyperbole? It’s difficult to know. However, until we acknowledge this conflict of interest may exist and push for independent reporting and action, millions of children will be at risk of developing increasing levels of myopia and that could threaten their long-term eye health.
References
Global prevalence, trend and projection of myopia in children and adolescents from 1990 to 2050: a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis
Digital Screen Time and Myopia: A Systematic Review and Dose-Response Meta-Analysis
The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Myopia Progression in Children: A Systematic Review
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