New Delhi, May 28: India is the most populous country in the world with a greater number of young people. In this era of digitalization, the screen time of an individual has increased to a great extent. And kids are not exception. The use of smart phones, computers, laptops or TV screens have become a part of their daily routine. In past few years the kids are more home bound, involved in near work and their hours of outside playing has reduced significantly.
Myopia is the new epidemic, and it is predicted that 50% of our child will be myopic by 2050. Myopia causes reduced vision which can be corrected with glasses but also has long term vision concerns. Our children are developing myopia early, the myopia is progressing at faster rate and number of children with higher levels of myopia is increasing. The higher the myopia the more the chances of glaucoma and retina issues when older. Suggestions to reduce myopia are eat well, sleep well, stay away from small screens, reduce excessive near work and spend a lot of time outdoors in sunlight hours, shared Dr Neepa Thacker Dave, Paediatric Ophthalmology & Strabismus, KIDS EYE CLINIC, MUMBAI.
The pandemic of COVID has added to this increased exposure of screen as more time was spent on smart phones for online schooling. Excessive exposure to smartphone screen has posed a severe surge in cases of Myopia across the globe. This environmental risk factor is found to be associated with both development and Progression of Myopia as many studies have determined. Progressive myopia in children refers to myopia which is increasing beyond acceptable limits and hence needs treatment. Natural ways to reduce progression include regular wear of glasses, increased outdoor activities especially in sunlight and reduced time on gadgets. Encouraging kids to play outside and in open spaces definitely helps to reduce progression, explained Dr Sowmya R, Senior consultant, Paediatric ophthalmology, Strabismus and Neuro Ophthalmology, SANKARA EYE HOSPITAL, BENGALURU.
The GenNext’s inseparable connectivity to the devices is risking their vision multifold. Let’s understand how these smartphones or screens are affecting the vision? It is the ‘blue light emitted by these devices to be blamed. Sunlight has a spectrum of light which contains red, orange, yellow, blue and green lights. But the light emitted by these devices is generally blue one which has high energy and short wavelength. Though blue light is naturally present in the environment, it is something in higher amounts from the screens of smartphones and is harming the vision. It was observed in a study that children’s eyes absorb more blue light than the adult’s eyes emitted by these devices. A study says, Myopic children use twice as much smartphone data each day as their non-myopic peers. This added blue light exposure from these devices lead to eye strain and more seriously a condition called macular degeneration.
Early detection and timely intervention are effective in controlling development and progression of Myopia. Children’s screen time should be restricted and they should be encouraged to play outdoors than playing with smartphones. Myopia, or nearsightedness, is a growing concern globally, especially among children and young adults. The rise in screen time and reduced outdoor activities contribute to its prevalence. However, raising awareness about myopia prevention can significantly mitigate its impact. Encouraging regular eye check-ups, limiting screen time, and promoting outdoor activities are crucial steps. Additionally, educating parents and caregivers about the importance of good eye habits from an early age can instill lifelong practices. By fostering a culture of eye health awareness, we can safeguard our vision and promote a brighter future for generations to come, explained Dr Fijo Kuriakose, Ophthalmologist, THE EYE FOUNDATION EYE HOSPITAL, KOCHI.
It was estimated in an article published in 2020 that, Myopia prevalence globally could reach 52% in the next 3 decades, which is alarming. Dr Rajesh Prabhu emphasized the importance of detecting and treating myopia to prevent vision-related complications in children. The data from a recent study conducted by AIIMS reveals a concerning trend: over 13% of school children in India are now myopic, a number that has doubled in the last decade due to excessive gadget usage.
Dr Pradeep Sharma highlighted the importance of regular eye check-ups, proper refraction, and lifestyle modifications to curb the ill-effects of myopia. Recommendations such as reduced screen time, increased outdoor activities, and specialized treatments can help in managing myopia in children.
With the pervasive use of smartphones and digital devices among children, it is crucial to address the escalating rates of myopia and take proactive measures to safeguard their vision and overall well-being. By prioritizing eye health, promoting outdoor activities, and limiting screen time, we can work towards minimizing the impact of myopia on the younger generation.
As the prevalence of myopia continues to rise, it is imperative to raise awareness, implement preventive measures, and prioritize children’s eye health for a brighter and clearer future ahead.
