Hong Kong Optometrists Warn 66% of 8-Year-Olds Could Be Short-Sighted by 2028

The Hong Kong Association of Private Practice Optometrists released findings on Sunday from a study of more than 3,500 pupils at eight primary schools.

The study was conducted between November and May, with the association examining indicators linked to the development of short-sightedness among children.

It found that 67 per cent of six-year-olds had less hyperopic reserve than the recommended standard of 0.75 dioptres (75 degrees).

Hyperopic reserve normally helps delay the onset of nearsightedness, but optometrists have cited a shrinking reserve in predicting a sharp rise in short-sightedness among children.

The association warned that 66 per cent of Hong Kong’s eight-year-olds could be short-sighted by 2028.

The study also found that 24 per cent of the six-year-olds examined were already short-sighted.

Association urges checks from age three

The association urged parents to begin comprehensive eye checks when children turned three.

Its recommendation comes as the findings show that both reduced hyperopic reserve and short-sightedness were already present among six-year-olds in the study.

The forecast extends that concern to Hong Kong’s eight-year-olds by 2028, according to optometrists.

The association’s call for earlier checks is therefore focused on identifying eye-related changes before children reach the age covered by the study.

Source: South China Morning Post