Myopia, or nearsightedness, is a growing concern in India, especially among children. According to a recent study titled “Time trends on the prevalence of myopia in India – a prediction model to 2050”, a significant jump has been observed in the rate of myopia among urban children aged 5 to 15 years, which was 4.44% in 1999. % has increased to 21.15% in 2019. ,
Projections from this study show that the prevalence of myopia could reach 31.89% by 2030, 40.01% by 2040, and approximately 48.14% by 2050. If this trend continues, the generational effect – a condition that typically persists throughout life – will increase the overall rate for people of all ages by 10.53% over the next three decades.
The COVID-19 pandemic has further accelerated this trend, with children spending longer periods of time indoors on screens for remote learning and entertainment, increasing the strain on young eyes. Given these projections, parental awareness and proactive measures have never been more important.
In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr. Deepti Joshi, MS, FIPO, consultant-department of pediatric ophthalmology and strabismus at MM Joshi Eye Institute in Hubli, Karnataka, suggested how parents can manage this growing problem through preventive strategies. Can play an important role in preventing the issue. They have a significant impact on the eye health of children –
1. Understanding the importance of regular eye checkups
The first step in dealing with myopia is to have regular eye exams, ideally starting before children show signs of vision problems. Regular checkups help catch myopia early, which is important in slowing its progression. With early detection, eye care professionals can recommend treatments such as corrective lenses, atropine eye drops, or orthokeratology (overnight corrective lenses) that can help manage myopia in the early stages.
Parents should consider these eye exams as important as any other routine health checkup. Since children often adapt to their impaired vision without realizing there is a problem, periodic assessments by professionals ensure timely intervention. Encouraging annual or biennial visits to an eye specialist, especially for children who frequently use screens or are academically inclined, can be an effective step.
2. Encouraging outdoor activities
Several studies have shown that children who spend more time outdoors are less likely to develop myopia. Exposure to natural light has been linked to healthy eye development – possibly due to the role of dopamine – a neurotransmitter that helps regulate eye development and is naturally produced when exposed to sunlight. Engaging in outdoor play also reduces the time children spend on work-related activities, such as reading or screen time, which can cause eye strain.
To make spending time outside a habit, parents can incorporate activities like sports, cycling or walking into their family’s daily routine. This change is not only beneficial for eye health but also supports overall physical well-being, helping to reduce screen time without any restrictions.
3. Manage screen time and digital device usage
The increase in cases of myopia is closely related to the increase in screen use among children. With all the options for digital learning, gaming and entertainment available on a variety of screens, children are exposed to devices for longer periods of time from an early age. Constant screen exposure and close-up activities such as reading or tablet use can strain young eyes, increasing the risk of myopia.
Parents can help reduce the effect by implementing the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, kids should look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This simple exercise helps to relax the eye muscles and reduce stress. Limiting device use and encouraging a balanced schedule that also includes offline activities can play an important role in reducing eye strain and preventing myopia progression.
4. Be aware of early warning signs
Myopia often starts subtle, with signs that can be easy to miss. Parents should keep an eye out for symptoms like squinting, sitting too close to the television or digital devices, or repeatedly rubbing the eyes. Complaints of headaches or difficulty seeing distant objects in a school environment may also indicate myopia. Being aware of these signs allows parents to seek early intervention.
It is also important for parents to inform themselves about myopia and the possible treatments available. By understanding the situation, they can make informed decisions and take proactive steps that can prevent further progression in their children.
5. Exploration of lifestyle adjustments and interventions
Recent approaches to myopia management emphasize the importance of lifestyle changes. Reducing screen exposure by using blue light filters on laptops and tablets can reduce digital strain on young eyes. Nutrition also plays a role; Including eye-healthy foods like green leafy vegetables, carrots and citrus fruits in your daily diet can aid vision health.
Encouraging activities like nature walks provide natural light and the opportunity to focus from a distance, which can help relax the eye muscles. These habits, combined with professional guidance, provide a balanced approach to managing the progression of myopia in children.
The projected increase in myopia in children is a serious public health problem, yet parental awareness and prompt action can help tackle it. By instilling good habits early on, parents can support healthy vision in their children and curb the increasing trend of myopia in the years to come.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions you may have about a medical condition.
