Ophthalmologists have warned that the rate of eye diseases among younger people is increasing in China, and that short-sightedness has become the No. 1 contributor to weak eyesight among children.

The experts have made the theme of this year’s National Healthy Eye Day, which falls on June 6, early treatment to preserve children’s eyesight.

China has 40 percent of Asia’s one million blind children, and the number of children who suffer from weak sight has reached 10 million in China.

The incidence of short-sightedness is increasing among young people; some 30 percent of primary school students and 50 percent of middle school students are short-sighted. The ophthalmologists said that China must take steps to promote knowledge about eye diseases among young people.

(People’s Daily 06/07/2001)