Myopia is increasingly diagnosed in young children, and Russia ranks high in this indicator. This pattern has been reported by RIA Novosti, reflecting a broader rise in nearsightedness among youths. Eye health professionals note that the condition is becoming more common even in younger ages, a shift with implications for schools, families, and healthcare planning in Russia and nearby regions.
Researchers from Sun Yat-sen University in Guangzhou conducted a long term assessment spanning thirty three years. The results show a steady upward trajectory of myopia among children and adolescents. In 2023, vision problems were detected in more than a third of those surveyed, 35.81 percent, with the highest prevalence in East Asia at 35.22 percent. These figures come from a large study cited by Sun Yat-sen University researchers and reported by major outlets.
Among the countries with the highest shares of children needing glasses or lenses, Japan leads at 85.95 percent, followed by South Korea at 73.94 percent, and Russia at 46.17 percent. These rankings illustrate how regional patterns differ and how lifestyle and environment can influence eye health outcomes for youth.
Natalya Kalinina, head of the ophthalmology department at Lapino Clinical Hospital, notes that there has been a significant reversal of myopia after laser vision correction surgery over the last five to seven years. In many cases, the improvement becomes evident one to two years after the procedure. This gives families and clinicians a potential option for certain cases where myopia is progressing or impacting daily activities.
Kalinina added that experts believe this observed improvement is tied to reduced visual strain from close-up tasks. Long periods of near work are thought to contribute to the progression of myopia, and managing close focus is considered important for maintaining eye health over time.
Kalinina also points to Russia’s top position in the list of myopic countries as linked to a well developed high speed internet network, which makes uninterrupted smartphone use easier. The accessibility of digital devices during childhood is seen as a contributing factor to the high rates observed in the country.
The ophthalmologist of the highest category, Tatyana Shilova, recently stated that Russia faces an epidemic of myopia, especially among school age children. This perspective highlights the urgency some clinicians feel about monitoring and addressing vision health in younger populations.
Earlier researchers have asked how the risk of myopia in children could be reduced. The discussion emphasizes balancing near work with outdoor activity, regular eye examinations for children, and mindful use of screens as part of a comprehensive approach to preserving vision over time.
Across these findings, the overarching message is clear: childhood myopia is not confined to one region. It reflects broader changes in daily life, technology use, and lifestyle that affect young eyes. Continued study is essential to understand the drivers and to develop effective prevention and treatment strategies for children and their families as societies adapt to new norms in digital living.