FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Myopia -- or nearsightedness -- affects millions of people worldwide, including celebrities like Taylor Swift, Brad Pitt and Nicole Kidman. Experts say by 2050, about half of the world’s population could have it.

But eye specialists say new technology now available in South Florida could help slow its progression in children.

Seven-year-old Ela Ozman first had her eyes checked two years ago after struggling to spot her older brother during soccer games. Tests later showed both Ela and her brother, Ata, had myopia.

Myopia happens when the shape of the eyeball changes, making it difficult to see objects far away.

Dr. Gabriella Olivares of The Eye Center said the condition can affect school performance and is sometimes mistaken for attention issues.

“So, it’s basically the inability to see far away, which can affect schoolwork, driving, learning,” Olivares said. “A lot of children are told they have attention disorders, focusing issues, when really it’s just they can’t see clearly.”

If it worsens, myopia can also raise the risk of serious eye problems later in life, including retinal detachment, glaucoma and early cataracts.

New FDA-approved Stellest lenses are designed to correct vision while also slowing myopia’s progression.

“They’re not just correcting the child’s vision -- they can slow progression by about 67 percent,” Olivares said.

Ela and Ata said they immediately noticed clearer vision when trying the lenses.

“When I first put them on, it was just wow,” Ata said. “All the colors pop. I can see so clearly.”

Doctors say children ages 6 to 16 with worsening prescriptions may benefit most. They also encourage more outdoor play, since too much screen time can strain eyes and worsen distance vision.

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