Pune: Ophthalmologists have raised concerns about a growing trend among children aged 3 to 12 requiring glasses.
They attribute this increase not only to genetics but also to prolonged usage of mobile phones, laptops, and other gadgets, which has become common among children for both entertainment and education.
Ophthalmologist Dr. Nitin Kolte explains that children now spend hours focused on screens, particularly while eating or during leisure time, with many parents encouraging this behavior to keep them occupied.
This shift in habits has led to a decline in outdoor activities, which traditionally helped in maintaining healthy vision by allowing children to focus on distant objects in natural light.
Prolonged exposure to the screens of gadgets is causing changes in children's eyes, such as enlarging the eyeball and reducing the protective outer layer of the eye, leading to dryness, strain, and fatigue. Ultimately, this results in a need for corrective eyewear.
Moreover, children who already require glasses but do not use them consistently are at risk of developing ‘lazy eye,’ a condition where one eye becomes weaker due to excessive strain on the other.
Experts also point out that improper gadget use, such as high screen brightness, small fonts, and small-sized screens, exacerbates eye strain. Dr. Ashwini Misal emphasizes that in addition to this, the reduced engagement in outdoor sports and personality-development hobbies has significantly impacted children's eye health.
A nationwide survey indicates that approximately 9% of children in India now require glasses, with urban areas showing higher rates compared to rural regions, where the rate stands at around 6%. A report from the Indian Journal of Ophthalmology warns that by 2050, one in two Indian children could be wearing glasses.
Precautions to Take:
Reduce the use of mobiles and TVs.
Limit screen time to no more than 45 minutes.
Ensure at least 20 minutes of outdoor play every day.
Include foods rich in vitamins A and E in the diet, such as milk and fruits.
Use electronic gadgets at the proper distance and in the correct way.
Encourage children to play outdoor games instead of virtual ones.
Develop a habit of regular exercise in children.
