The World Health Organisation (WHO) recently flagged myopia as a global public health issue, estimating annual global costs of productivity losses associated with vision impairment from uncorrected myopia at $244 billion in 2015. This will increase significantly in the future if it is not addressed. Individuals with high myopia (-5.00 diopters or more) face a greater risk of sight-threatening disorders later in life including glaucoma, cataract, retinal detachment, and myopic macular degeneration, which is an irreversible condition that can cause severe vision impairment or permanent blindness. The risk of visual impairment increases 3.4 times with myopia between 6.00 diopters and 10.00 diopters, and 22 times when above 10.00 diopters.
Myopia in the Asia Pacific
Studies have shown the increased intensity of educational pressures in young children has coincided with the rapid rise in myopia cases in Asian countries in recent decades. In many East Asian countries, myopia is a major public health concern that affects between 80 and 90 per cent of high school graduates, of which about 10 to 20 per cent have sight-threatening pathologic myopia.
The early onset and rapid progression of myopia in Asia has been linked to increased time spent on near-work activities and classwork, coupled with limited time spent outdoors; both of which have been exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic. According to one Hong Kong study, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the estimated one-year incidence of myopia is 28 per cent, 27 per cent, and 26 per cent for six, seven and eight-year-olds respectively, compared to 17 per cent, 15 per cent, and 15 per cent before the pandemic.
Esta historia es de la edición BioSpectrum Asia April 2022 de BioSpectrum Asia.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición BioSpectrum Asia April 2022 de BioSpectrum Asia.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
Promega unveils GloMax Galaxy Bioluminescence Imager for illuminating protein dynamics in real time
US-based Promega Corporation, a life-sciences research partner dedicated to providing intuitive tools that empower scientists to innovate, has unveiled the new GloMax Galaxy Bioluminescence Imager.
Singleron and Bioscreen to enhance access to single cell multi-omics solutions for Indian researchers
Singleron Biotechnologies, a leading innovator in single cell multi-omics solutions, has announced a strategic partnership with Bioscreen, a renowned distributor of advanced life science products in India.
Eppendorf brings CO2 incubator shaker with integrated 180 °C sterilisation routine
Eppendorf has announced the launch of a CO2 incubator shaker with integrated 180 °C sterilisation routine.
Waters introduces new bioseparations tools to improve development of RNA-based vaccines using LC-MS analysis
US-based Waters Corporation has introduced a comprehensive set of sample preparation enzymes, reagents, and waters_connect software that simplify sequence and modification confirmation of large molecule RNA therapeutics using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LCMS) analysis.
Singapore designs novel gene therapy offering hope for epilepsy patients
Researchers from the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore are working on a therapy that holds potential in treating patients with epilepsy, a neurological disorder defined by recurring seizures due to abnormal brain activity.
Spider venom heart drug moves to clinical trials in Australia
A University of Queensland (UQ)-led project in Australia to develop the first-ever drug to treat heart attack and protect donor hearts will move to human clinical trials, after receiving $17.8 million in funding from the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF).
India develops portable ultrasound scanner for sports injury diagnosis
A team of researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT-M) has developed an indigenous portable Point-of-CareUltrasound (POCUS) Scanner for sports injury diagnosis and management.
Integris appoints medtech veteran Probir Das as new CEO
Integris Healthcare, a global diversified medical technology company, has announced the appointment of Probir Das as Chief Executive Officer (CEO). He will join effective November 2024 and will be based in New Delhi.
Clarity Pharma promotes Michelle Parker to CEO
Australia-based Clarity Pharmaceuticals has announced the appointment of Michelle Parker as Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective from October 11, 2024.
Dr Makoto Sugita steps in as President of Nxera Pharma Japan
Nxera Pharma Co., formerly known as Sosei Group or Sosei Heptares, has announced the appointment of Dr Makoto Sugita, as President of Nxera Pharma Japan, and Executive Officer, Executive Vice President and Chief Medical Officer (CMO) of Nxera Pharma.