Indoor Habits and Dim Light May Push Global Myopia to 50% by 2050

Researchers warn that up to 50% of people worldwide could be nearsighted by 2050, driven not only by screen time but also indoor living and dim lighting. A SUNY Optometry study in Cell Reports found that focusing on near tasks in low light causes greater pupil constriction and reduced retinal illumination, stressing the eye and potentially promoting eyeball elongation. Outdoor time remains protective; US myopia rose from ~25% to 42% since the 1970s, and treatments may have limited impact if daily habits don’t change.