We have seen a significant increase in the number of children requiring glasses over the past few years. The COVID-19 pandemic has pushed this number into dangerous territory. Now, we often see that almost every second child requires glasses and often, many of them require high-powered glasses. What has changed? Why myopia Is it becoming such a big problem among the young generation?

Times Now Digital spoke to Dr Vikas Veerwal, Senior Consultant Ophthalmologist, about the rising incidence of myopia in India. He has given some reasons for this and what measures can be taken to stop it.

Myopia, or near-sightedness, is becoming increasingly common in children. Recently, there has been a significant increase in the need for far vision glasses among the young population. This condition makes it difficult to see distant objects clearly and if not taken care of, can lead to serious eye problems in the future like amblyopia, retinal detachment, maculopathy, etc. It is estimated that about 50% of the world’s population will need glasses by 2050. But, we may reach this number much sooner, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Why is myopia increasing?

Most cases of myopia are caused by excessive elongation of the eye. It may result from genetic or environmental factors. One of the most important factors for the development of myopia is prolonged near-work (reading or using mobile/tablet). The following factors are most important in determining the development of myopia

Increased screen time/excessive close work:

Prolonged use of smartphones, tablets and computers as well as overwork lead to an increase in myopia. Children’s screen time has increased significantly post COVID-19 and as a result myopia has increased to epidemic proportions.

Lack of outdoor activities: It is believed that natural sunlight prevents the growth of vitreous strength in children. Due to increased use of screens as well as increased stress on studies, children are spending less time in outdoor activities. Due to this, along with nutritional deficiency, the risk of developing myopia is also increasing.

Genetics: An increased history of one or both parents having minus power glasses Risk of myopia in children,

• Diet: Poor nutrition can also affect healthy eye development.

What signs can tell you that your child may need glasses?

If your child does any of the following, you should get his eyes checked immediately:

• Strabismus (squinting your eyes to see distant objects).
• Holding books or screens too close to the face.
• Complaints of headache or eye strain.
• Difficulty in seeing the board in school.
• rubbing/squeezing the eyes repeatedly

What can we do to prevent the development or progression of myopia in children?

1. Encourage outdoor play: Make sure your child spends at least 1-2 hours outside

Every day. Outdoor sports reduces the risk of myopia by focusing the eyes

Distant objects in natural light. Natural sunlight is believed to have a protective effect

The length of our eyes and eyes reduces.

2. Limit Screen Time: Set daily limits on the use of digital devices. Avoid using

Mobile phones in children under 10-12 years of age. this is the loneliest

We need to make important changes to protect our children’s eyes.

3. Distance is the key: Avoid excessive close-work. Transfer tasks from mobile/tablet

Television/Laptop. Avoid any screen use in very young children.

4. Ensure proper lighting: Good lighting reduces eyestrain during reading or screen time

strain. Avoid dim lighting when doing close-up activities.

5. Teach the 20-20-20 Rule: If your child is engaged in screen time or close-up work,

Remind them to take a break every 20 minutes by looking at something 20 feet away

For at least 20 seconds.

6. Balanced Diet: Provide a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, especially those with high amounts of

Vitamin A, C, E and Omega-3 fatty acids. These nutrients support eye health. include

Foods like carrots, spinach, sweet potatoes, oranges, almonds, walnuts and fish.

7. Schedule regular eye exams: Early detection is important. Make sure your child gets one

Comprehensive eye exam every year. Remember, no child may be able to do this

Effectively explain that they have eye problems.

8. Medical treatment to stop the progression of myopia: Fortunately, now there are

Eye drops that can slow the increase in vitreous strength. Also special glasses

that help stabilize the growth of our eyes have been developed and are being used

Successfully. These treatments help limit the increase in glass strength.

Don’t wait, act now!

Protect your child’s vision today by adopting these simple but effective habits. Early intervention can make a big difference! We need not only to prevent the development of myopia, but also try to reduce the progressive increase in vitreous power. Because, it is well known that the higher the strength of the vitreous, the higher the risk of developing serious complications in the eye.

Consult an eye specialist today

A baby’s eyes should be checked once at birth and this is the best time to get the eyes checked.

Glasses are required when the child is in pre-school age of 3-4 years. This will give results quickly

Detecting any eye problems, preventing further complications.

We need to be proactive today so that our next generation can have a brighter tomorrow.

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