Struggling to see things at a distance? Experts explain why it's more serious than you think.

 

Over 40% of Americans are estimated to have myopia, or nearsightedness. Though often seen as a minor inconvenience fixed by glasses, a new report published Tuesday calls for health agencies to classify it as a disease.

The National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine describes myopia as an “evolving epidemic” that needs further research, standardized care, and early prevention efforts, including at least an hour of daily outdoor time for children.

This is the first report from the National Academies on myopia since 1989. According to the American Optometric Association, some studies suggest that the prevalence of myopia has increased by 25% over the last 40 years in parts of the U.S.

“It was long overdue,” says Dr. Terri Young, co-chair of the committee and a professor of ophthalmology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Experts are unsure why myopia is rising so quickly but believe it may be linked to increased indoor screen time among children.

“In the U.S., it's rapidly increasing, and we don’t have a handle on it,” Young added.

What is Myopia?

Myopia, or nearsightedness, is a condition where objects up close appear clear, but distant objects are blurry. This happens when the shape of the eye causes light to focus in front of the retina rather than on it. The retina is the part of the eye that converts light into signals for the brain to process.

Dr. Fatema Ghasia, a pediatric ophthalmologist at Cleveland Clinic’s Cole Eye Institute, notes that the condition typically starts in childhood. Babies are born farsighted, but as they grow, their vision usually corrects. However, in children with myopia, the eye continues growing beyond the point needed to focus images clearly.

Dr. Young warns that if the U.S. doesn’t take a national approach to prevent and diagnose myopia in children, the problem will likely worsen. Poor vision has already been shown to negatively affect academic performance, which in turn can have long-term effects on a child's future.

“It just has a downstream impact on how that child will function in society,” Young said.

Preventing Myopia in Children

The report highlights outdoor time—at least one to two hours daily—as one of the best ways to prevent myopia in children.

“There’s something about being outside, looking at long distances, and appreciating horizons that somehow thwarts myopic development,” says Young.

Even on days when outdoor play is tough, sitting near windows with natural light can be beneficial. Dr. Ghasia adds that exposure to daylight, even when it’s not sunny, is crucial.

The responsibility of preventing myopia doesn’t just fall on parents. Schools and daycare centers should ensure children get adequate outdoor time. According to the National Academies, a 20-minute recess isn’t enough.

Diagnosing and Managing Myopia

Young has noticed a shift: children are being diagnosed with myopia at younger ages. Whereas it used to be more common to identify the condition in 5- or 6-year-olds, it's now being spotted in children as young as 3 or 4. There’s also been a change in what’s considered "normal" vision—many children now show signs of mild myopia.

Early diagnosis is critical to ensure healthy development. Vision not only affects academic success but also impacts sports performance and social skills. Furthermore, people with myopia are at a higher risk for other eye complications, like retinal detachment and glaucoma, later in life.

The National Academies report stresses the need for standardized care to help address these issues. Currently, screening ages and diagnostic methods vary widely, hindering timely intervention.

In Young’s view, universal screenings before children start school could help identify myopia earlier, giving doctors the chance to treat it before it worsens.