Half of Indian kids may need glasses soon: Blame screen addiction
Spending long hours on phones, tablets, and computers has become a major concern for both parents and doctors. This habit, called screen addiction, is affecting children's health in many ways.While screen use has been linked to childhood obesity, which in turn is leading to serious health issues like heart disease and type 2 diabetes, experts are raising alarm about another serious consequence of too much screen time - poor eyesight in children.advertisementAt a recent public awareness event in Nagpur, doctors at the Association of Community Ophthalmologists of India (ACOIN), said that if steps aren't taken soon, up to 50% of school-going children in India could have myopia by 2050.
Ophthalmologists are witnessing a significant surge in cases driven by lifestyle factors, primarily attributed to the pervasive use of digital devices and insufficient time spent outdoors. Currently, about 23% of Indian schoolchildren have myopia.Myopia, or nearsightedness, means that a person can see nearby objects clearly, but things far away appear blurry.At the Surya Eye Institute, over 2,000 children were treated for myopia in 2024 alone. The number of cases has been growing steadily, especially since the Covid-19 pandemic pushed children toward online learning and more screen use.
Myopia, or nearsightedness, means that a person can see nearby objects clearly, but things far away appear blurry. ()
advertisementDr. Jay Goyal, senior eye surgeon and director of Surya Eye Institute, said that most children don't need surgery for myopia."Children don't need complicated procedures in most cases of myopia. What they urgently need is an understanding of how excessive screen time, inadequate sleep, and prolonged indoor activities are negatively impacting their vision," Dr. Goyal stated.He added that small lifestyle changes can help a lot, such as: wearing glasses if needed, playing outside for at least an hour every day, following good daily habits.Doctors said that if families act now, children's vision can be protected, and many serious eye problems in the future can be avoided.The Screen and Sight ConnectionThe link between increased screen time and myopia development is supported by a growing body of scientific evidence. Studies suggest that prolonged near work, such as focusing on screens for extended periods, can strain the eyes and disrupt the eye's natural growth process.This can lead to an elongation of the eyeball, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it, resulting in blurry distance vision, while exposure to natural daylight is believed to play a protective role against myopia.
Doctors said that if families act now, children's vision can be protected, and many serious eye problems in the future can be avoided. ()
Research indicates that sunlight stimulates the release of dopamine in the retina, which may help regulate eye growth and prevent excessive elongation. Spending time outdoors also encourages focusing on distant objects, giving the eyes a break from close-up work.To combat this looming public health concern, here are several key recommendations for parents:Restrict digital device usage to essential tasks, such as schoolwork, and discourage excessive recreational screen time.Ensure children engage in at least one hour of outdoor activities daily. This promotes exposure to natural light and encourages distance vision.Provide adequate and appropriate lighting for all near-vision tasks, including reading and studying, to reduce eye strain.Schedule routine eye examinations for children, even if they do not exhibit any vision problems. Early detection and intervention are crucial.Promote healthy habits, including sufficient sleep and a nutritious diet, which contribute to overall eye health.While low-dose atropine eye drops are being used in some countries under strict medical supervision as a potential treatment to slow myopia progression, Indian experts are currently emphasising preventive lifestyle modifications as the primary line of defense.advertisementSimple steps taken today can safeguard their vision for years to come and mitigate the potential for more serious eye complications in adulthood.
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