More time behind screens and less time outdoors are contributing to a global increase in nearsightedness (myopia) in children and young adults and raising their risks of retinal detachment, which can cause permanent, irreversible loss of vision.
Myopia is the leading cause of preventable blindness in developing countries[1] and eye health specialists consider myopia an escalating public health crisis[2], estimating that it will affect about half the world’s population, approximately 5 billion people, by 2050, raising the risks of associated vision-threatening conditions.
Speaking ahead of Eye Care Awareness Month (23 September to 18 October), Dr Schalk du Toit, Executive Committee Member of the Ophthalmological Society of South Africa (OSSA) says nearsightedness is the greatest, controllable risk factor for retinal detachment, which occurs when the retina – the light-sensitive layer lining the back of the eye – pulls away from the underlying tissue that supplies its oxygen and nutrients.
“This is one of the most time-critical eye emergencies and without prompt surgical intervention, can cause permanent, irreversible vision loss. Mild myopia triples the risk of retinal detachment, rising to as much as 39 times the risk in cases of severe myopia.”[3]
“While age is another major risk factor, peaking in the 60s and 70s, the rising incidence of myopia in young people means they are entering the high-risk category at earlier stages of life. This is linked in part to increased, close-up screen time causing increased eye strain, and less time spent outdoors.”
“Time outdoors, about an hour a day, is important for both children and adults as focusing on distant objects helps to relax the eyes and relieve eye strain and has been shown to be a protective factor against children developing myopia due to the positive impact of natural sunlight on eye growth and health,” he said.
Retinal detachment affects between 1 and 2 of every 10 000 people, but due to the rising incidence of myopia along with ageing global populations, is projected to double in the next 20 years.[4]
In people over the age of 60, normal age-related changes cause the gel inside the eye (the vitreous) to separate from the retina, which can cause a retinal tear.
Other risk factors for retinal detachment include previous cataract surgery, a direct blow or injury to the eye (responsible for an estimated 10 to 15% of cases, with contact sports carrying particularly high risk), a family history of retinal detachment, or pre-existing thinning of the retina.
Men are affected roughly 1.5 to 2 times more often than women, Dr Du Toit said. “In most cases of retinal detachment, there are clear warning signals that appear before significant vision loss occurs.”
He advised seeking urgent, same-day assessment by an eye care professional for symptoms including:
- Sudden onset of new “floaters” – small dark spots or thread-like shapes drifting across the vision, especially many appearing at once.
- Flashes of light, particularly at the edges of vision.
- A shadow or curtain effect spreading across part of the visual field.
- A sudden, painless dimming or narrowing of vision.
Dr Du Toit said that retinal detachment required surgical treatment, which would vary depending on the type, size and location of the detachment. Treatment may include injecting a small gas bubble into the eye to reposition the retina (pneumatic retinopexy), placing a silicone band around the outside of the eye to relieve traction on the retina (scleral buckle), or removing the gel inside the eye and replacing it with gas or oil so the retina can settle back into place (vitrectomy).
These approaches are sometimes combined and are generally performed within days of diagnosis given the urgency of the condition.
How much vision is ultimately recovered depends heavily on how quickly treatment begins, and on whether the central part of the retina (the macula) is still attached at the time of treatment, he said.
“Retinal detachment can generally not be prevented, but severe vision loss can be avoided through prompt recognition and same-day treatment. People with high myopia, a family history of retinal detachment, or a history of eye surgery or trauma should ensure they are familiar with the warning signs and seek urgent same-day assessment at an eye casualty unit or ophthalmology practice if they occur.
REFERENCES
[1] Gregory Ostrow, MD, Laura Kirkeby, CO. Myopia’s global impact, by the numbers. Ophthalmology Times Europe. June 25, 2025. Vol 21, Issue 3. https://www.ophthalmologytimes.com/view/myopia-s-global-impact-by-the-numbers-prevalence-projection-quality-of-life
[2] Gregory Ostrow, MD, Laura Kirkeby, CO. Myopia’s global impact, by the numbers. Ophthalmology Times Europe. June 25, 2025. Vol 21, Issue 3. https://www.ophthalmologytimes.com/view/myopia-s-global-impact-by-the-numbers-prevalence-projection-quality-of-life
[3] Sehgal K, Diafas A, Dervenis N, Dervenis P. Epidemiology and Risk Factors of Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment: A Global and Historical Perspective. Epidemiologia (Basel). 2026 Aug 13;7(4):109. doi: 10.3390/epidemiologia7040109. PMID: 42644893; PMCID: PMC13512895.
[4] Sehgal K, Diafas A, Dervenis N, Dervenis P. Epidemiology and Risk Factors of Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment: A Global and Historical Perspective. Epidemiologia (Basel). 2026 Aug 13;7(4):109. doi: 10.3390/epidemiologia7040109. PMID: 42644893; PMCID: PMC13512895.
