A recent global analysis suggests that one in three children is now short-sighted, with the condition becoming increasingly prevalent among young people. The study indicates that factors such as spending more time on screens and less time outdoors during Covid lockdowns may have contributed to this trend. Short-sightedness, also known as myopia, is a growing concern worldwide, with projections indicating that millions more children could be affected by 2050.

The study highlights that the highest rates of myopia are found in Asia, particularly in countries like Japan, South Korea, China, and Russia. In contrast, places like Paraguay and Uganda have lower levels of myopia. The research, which involved over five million children and teenagers from 50 countries, revealed a significant increase in short-sightedness over the years, with a notable rise following the Covid pandemic.

Myopia typically begins during primary school years and worsens until around 20 years of age when the eye stops growing. Factors such as genetics and environmental influences, like early education practices that involve prolonged screen time, can contribute to the development of myopia. Girls are reported to have higher rates of myopia than boys, with early puberty onset potentially playing a role in this gender difference.

To protect children’s eyesight, experts recommend that kids spend at least two hours outdoors daily, especially between the ages of seven and nine. Regular eye tests are also advised, as myopia tends to run in families. While myopia cannot be cured, it can be managed with glasses or contact lenses. Special lenses that encourage the eye to grow differently may help slow down myopia progression in young children, although they can be costly.

Recognizing the signs of short-sightedness, such as difficulty reading from a distance, sitting close to screens, experiencing headaches, or rubbing the eyes frequently, is crucial for early detection and intervention. By promoting outdoor activities, regular eye check-ups, and awareness of myopia risk factors, parents and caregivers can play a significant role in safeguarding children’s eye health and well-being.

Original news source: One in three children short-sighted, study suggests (BBC)

🎧 Listen:

Slow

Normal

Fast

📖 Vocabulary:

Group or Classroom Activities

Warm-up Activities:

– News Summary
Instructions: Ask students to work in pairs and summarize the key points of the article in 3-5 sentences. Encourage them to focus on the main idea, the prevalence of myopia, factors contributing to it, and recommendations to protect children’s eyesight.

– Vocabulary Pictionary
Instructions: Divide the class into teams and provide each team with a list of key vocabulary words from the article (e.g., myopia, prevalence, intervention). Have them take turns choosing a word and drawing it on the board without using letters, numbers, or symbols. The other teams must guess the word based on the drawing.

– Opinion Poll
Instructions: Have students move around the classroom and ask their classmates about their opinions on children’s screen time and outdoor activities. Encourage them to ask open-ended questions such as “Do you think spending more time outdoors can help prevent myopia in children?” After gathering responses, students can share their findings with the class.

– Think-Pair-Share
Instructions: Ask students to think individually about a time when they or someone they know experienced myopia or any other eye-related issue. Then, have them pair up with a classmate to discuss their thoughts and experiences. Finally, open the discussion to the whole class for students to share their stories.

– Sketch It
Instructions: Divide the class into pairs. Provide each pair with a scenario related to myopia, such as a child struggling to read from a distance. One student will describe the scenario without using the word “myopia” while the other student sketches it on a piece of paper. After a few minutes, have them switch roles and guess each other’s scenarios.

🤔 Comprehension Questions:

1. What are some factors that may have contributed to the increasing prevalence of myopia among young people according to the study?
2. Which regions have the highest rates of myopia according to the global analysis?
3. At what age does myopia typically begin and when does it worsen until?
4. What are some factors that can contribute to the development of myopia besides genetics?
5. Why do experts recommend that kids spend at least two hours outdoors daily between the ages of seven and nine?
6. How can myopia be managed according to the article?
7. What are some signs of short-sightedness that parents and caregivers should recognize for early detection and intervention?
8. How can parents and caregivers play a significant role in safeguarding children’s eye health and well-being according to the article?
Go to answers ⇩

🎧✍️ Listen and Fill in the Gaps:

A recent (1)______ analysis suggests that one in three children is now short-sighted, with the (2)______ becoming increasingly prevalent among young people. The study indicates that factors such as spending more time on screens and less time outdoors during Covid lockdowns may have contributed to this (3)______. Short-sightedness, also known as myopia, is a growing (4)______ worldwide, with projections indicating that millions more children could be affected by 2050.

The study highlights that the highest rates of myopia are found in Asia, particularly in countries like Japan, South Korea, China, and (5)______. In contrast, places like Paraguay and Uganda have lower levels of myopia. The research, which involved over five million children and teenagers from 50 countries, revealed a significant increase in short-sightedness over the years, with a notable rise following the Covid (6)______.

Myopia typically begins during primary (7)______ years and worsens until around 20 years of age when the eye stops growing. Factors such as genetics and environmental (8)______, like early education practices that involve prolonged (9)______ time, can contribute to the development of myopia. Girls are reported to have higher rates of myopia than boys, with early puberty onset potentially (10)______ a role in this gender difference.

To (11)______ children’s eyesight, experts recommend that kids spend at least two hours outdoors daily, especially between the ages of seven and nine. (12)______ eye tests are also advised, as myopia tends to run in families. While myopia cannot be cured, it can be managed with glasses or contact lenses. Special lenses that encourage the eye to grow differently may help slow down myopia progression in young (13)______, although they can be costly.

Recognizing the signs of short-sightedness, such as difficulty reading from a (14)______, sitting close to screens, experiencing headaches, or rubbing the eyes frequently, is crucial for early detection and intervention. By promoting outdoor activities, regular eye check-ups, and awareness of myopia risk factors, (15)______ and caregivers can play a (16)______ role in safeguarding children’s eye health and well-being.
Go to answers ⇩

💬 Discussion Questions:

Students can ask a partner these questions, or discuss them as a group.

1. How do you think the increase in screen time during the Covid lockdowns has impacted the rise of myopia among children?
2. Do you think schools should implement policies to limit screen time for students to prevent myopia? Why or why not?
3. How would you feel if your child was diagnosed with myopia at a young age?
4. Do you believe that spending more time outdoors can help prevent myopia in children? Why or why not?
5. What are some possible solutions to encourage children to spend more time outdoors in today’s digital age?
6. How do you think cultural differences may play a role in the varying rates of myopia around the world?
7. Do you think genetics or environmental factors have a greater impact on the development of myopia in children?
8. How important do you think early detection of myopia is in preventing further vision problems in children?
9. What are some challenges parents might face in getting their children to spend more time outdoors?
10. Do you believe that the use of special lenses to slow down myopia progression in children is a good solution? Why or why not?
11. How do you think the education system can adapt to reduce the risk of myopia in students?
12. What are some potential long-term effects of the increasing prevalence of myopia among children worldwide?
13. Do you think the rise in myopia among children is a public health concern that needs more attention? Why or why not?
14. How can society as a whole work together to raise awareness about the importance of eye health in children?
15. What role do you think technology companies should play in addressing the issue of myopia related to screen time?

Individual Activities

📖💭 Vocabulary Meanings:

Match each word to its meaning.

Words:
1. prevalent
2. projections
3. significant
4. genetics
5. environmental
6. influences
7. puberty
8. intervention
9. safeguarding
10. awareness
11. prolonged
12. onset
13. progression
14. detection
15. caregivers

Meanings:
(A) Predictions or estimates about future trends
(B) The process of developing or moving forward
(C) The period during which adolescents reach sexual maturity
(D) Important or noteworthy
(E) The act of becoming involved in a situation to alter the outcome
(F) Protecting from harm or damage
(G) Knowledge or understanding of a situation or fact
(H) Factors that have an effect on someone or something
(I) Relating to the surroundings or conditions in which a person lives
(J) Extended or continued for a long time
(K) The beginning or start of something
(L) The act of discovering or identifying the presence of something
(M) Widespread or commonly occurring
(N) People who provide care and support to others, especially children or the elderly
(O) The study of heredity and the variation of inherited characteristics
Go to answers ⇩

🔡 Multiple Choice Questions:

1. What is another term for short-sightedness?
(a) Hyperopia
(b) Astigmatism
(c) Myopia
(d) Presbyopia

2. According to the article, which factor may have contributed to the increasing prevalence of myopia among young people?
(a) Spending more time outdoors
(b) Eating more carrots
(c) Spending more time on screens
(d) Reading more books

3. In which region are the highest rates of myopia found, according to the study?
(a) Europe
(b) Asia
(c) Africa
(d) North America

4. At what age does myopia typically worsen until the eye stops growing?
(a) Around 30 years old
(b) Around 15 years old
(c) Around 25 years old
(d) Around 20 years old

5. What is one of the recommended ways to manage myopia in young children?
(a) Increasing screen time
(b) Spending at least two hours outdoors daily
(c) Avoiding regular eye tests
(d) Ignoring signs of short-sightedness

6. What is a potential environmental influence on the development of myopia mentioned in the article?
(a) Early education practices involving prolonged screen time
(b) Spending more time outdoors
(c) Genetics
(d) Consuming more vegetables

7. What is a common sign of short-sightedness mentioned in the article?
(a) Sitting close to screens
(b) Spending more time outdoors
(c) Eating more carrots
(d) Experiencing fewer headaches

8. How can parents and caregivers play a significant role in safeguarding children’s eye health?
(a) Encouraging more screen time
(b) Ignoring signs of myopia
(c) Avoiding early detection and intervention
(d) Promoting outdoor activities and regular eye check-ups

Go to answers ⇩

🕵️ True or False Questions:

1. Paraguay and Uganda have lower levels of myopia compared to other countries.
2. Factors like increased screen time and decreased outdoor activities during Covid lockdowns may have contributed to the rise in myopia among young people.
3. Girls are reported to have higher rates of myopia than boys, potentially due to early puberty onset.
4. Hyperopia typically starts during primary school years and improves until around 20 years of age.
5. Experts recommend that children spend at least two hours indoors daily to protect their eyesight and reduce the risk of hyperopia.
6. The study found that the highest rates of myopia are in countries like Japan, South Korea, China, and Russia.
7. One in five children globally is now long-sighted, according to a recent analysis.
8. Hyperopia, also known as long-sightedness, is a decreasing concern worldwide.
Go to answers ⇩

📝 Write a Summary:

Write a summary of this news article in two sentences.
Check your writing now with the best free AI for English writing!

Writing Questions:

Answer the following questions. Write as much as you can for each answer.
Check your answers with our free English writing assistant!

1. What are some of the factors contributing to the increasing prevalence of myopia among children, according to the global analysis mentioned in the article?
2. Which regions have the highest rates of myopia, and which have lower levels, as highlighted in the study involving over five million children and teenagers from 50 countries?
3. At what age does myopia typically begin, and when does it worsen until the eye stops growing?
4. What are some recommendations given by experts to protect children’s eyesight and manage myopia?
5. How can parents and caregivers help in safeguarding children’s eye health and well-being, according to the article?

✅ Answers

🤔✅ Comprehension Question Answers:

1. What are some factors that may have contributed to the increasing prevalence of myopia among young people according to the study?
Factors such as spending more time on screens and less time outdoors during Covid lockdowns are believed to have contributed to the increasing prevalence of myopia among young people.

2. Which regions have the highest rates of myopia according to the global analysis?
The global analysis suggests that the highest rates of myopia are found in Asia, particularly in countries like Japan, South Korea, China, and Russia.

3. At what age does myopia typically begin and when does it worsen until?
Myopia typically begins during primary school years and worsens until around 20 years of age when the eye stops growing.

4. What are some factors that can contribute to the development of myopia besides genetics?
Besides genetics, factors such as environmental influences like early education practices involving prolonged screen time can contribute to the development of myopia.

5. Why do experts recommend that kids spend at least two hours outdoors daily between the ages of seven and nine?
Experts recommend that kids spend at least two hours outdoors daily between the ages of seven and nine to help protect their eyesight.

6. How can myopia be managed according to the article?
Myopia can be managed with glasses or contact lenses. There are also special lenses available that encourage the eye to grow differently and may help slow down myopia progression in young children.

7. What are some signs of short-sightedness that parents and caregivers should recognize for early detection and intervention?
Some signs of short-sightedness that parents and caregivers should recognize include difficulty reading from a distance, sitting close to screens, experiencing headaches, or rubbing the eyes frequently.

8. How can parents and caregivers play a significant role in safeguarding children’s eye health and well-being according to the article?
Parents and caregivers can play a significant role in safeguarding children’s eye health and well-being by promoting outdoor activities, ensuring regular eye check-ups, and being aware of myopia risk factors.
Go back to questions ⇧

🎧✍️✅ Listen and Fill in the Gaps Answers:

(1) global
(2) condition
(3) trend
(4) concern
(5) Russia
(6) pandemic
(7) school
(8) influences
(9) screen
(10) playing
(11) protect
(12) Regular
(13) children
(14) distance
(15) parents
(16) significant
Go back to questions ⇧

📖💭✅ Vocabulary Meanings Answers:

1. prevalent
Answer: (M) Widespread or commonly occurring

2. projections
Answer: (A) Predictions or estimates about future trends

3. significant
Answer: (D) Important or noteworthy

4. genetics
Answer: (O) The study of heredity and the variation of inherited characteristics

5. environmental
Answer: (I) Relating to the surroundings or conditions in which a person lives

6. influences
Answer: (H) Factors that have an effect on someone or something

7. puberty
Answer: (C) The period during which adolescents reach sexual maturity

8. intervention
Answer: (E) The act of becoming involved in a situation to alter the outcome

9. safeguarding
Answer: (F) Protecting from harm or damage

10. awareness
Answer: (G) Knowledge or understanding of a situation or fact

11. prolonged
Answer: (J) Extended or continued for a long time

12. onset
Answer: (K) The beginning or start of something

13. progression
Answer: (B) The process of developing or moving forward

14. detection
Answer: (L) The act of discovering or identifying the presence of something

15. caregivers
Answer: (N) People who provide care and support to others, especially children or the elderly
Go back to questions ⇧

🔡✅ Multiple Choice Answers:

1. What is another term for short-sightedness?
Answer: (c) Myopia

2. According to the article, which factor may have contributed to the increasing prevalence of myopia among young people?
Answer: (c) Spending more time on screens

3. In which region are the highest rates of myopia found, according to the study?
Answer: (b) Asia

4. At what age does myopia typically worsen until the eye stops growing?
Answer: (d) Around 20 years old

5. What is one of the recommended ways to manage myopia in young children?
Answer: (b) Spending at least two hours outdoors daily

6. What is a potential environmental influence on the development of myopia mentioned in the article?
Answer: (a) Early education practices involving prolonged screen time

7. What is a common sign of short-sightedness mentioned in the article?
Answer: (a) Sitting close to screens

8. How can parents and caregivers play a significant role in safeguarding children’s eye health?
Answer: (d) Promoting outdoor activities and regular eye check-ups
Go back to questions ⇧

🕵️✅ True or False Answers:

1. Paraguay and Uganda have lower levels of myopia compared to other countries. (Answer: True)
2. Factors like increased screen time and decreased outdoor activities during Covid lockdowns may have contributed to the rise in myopia among young people. (Answer: True)
3. Girls are reported to have higher rates of myopia than boys, potentially due to early puberty onset. (Answer: True)
4. Hyperopia typically starts during primary school years and improves until around 20 years of age. (Answer: False)
5. Experts recommend that children spend at least two hours indoors daily to protect their eyesight and reduce the risk of hyperopia. (Answer: False)
6. The study found that the highest rates of myopia are in countries like Japan, South Korea, China, and Russia. (Answer: True)
7. One in five children globally is now long-sighted, according to a recent analysis. (Answer: False)
8. Hyperopia, also known as long-sightedness, is a decreasing concern worldwide. (Answer: False)
Go back to questions ⇧