Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, Aug 27: Myopia, or nearsightedness, is becoming a global public health concern, with experts warning that by 2050 nearly half the world’s population could be affected. The condition, which makes distant objects appear blurry, is increasingly being diagnosed in children, raising concerns among parents and doctors alike.
Dr Pawan Gupta, Senior Cataract & Retina Surgeon at Eye 7 Hospitals, Lajpat Nagar & Vision Eye Clinic, New Delhi, said changing lifestyles are driving the surge in cases among children. “While there are genetic factors, the increasing number of cases is primarily due to changing lifestyles, particularly for younger children,” he explained.
Causes of Myopia in kids
Dr Gupta highlighted excessive screen time as the leading cause. “Most schoolwork, entertainment, and social interactions now happen on screens. Extended screen time sends signals to the child’s eye to adapt to near vision, which gradually weakens distance vision,” he said.
He further noted that lack of sunlight exposure is another factor. “Children need at least two hours of outdoor sunlight daily. Sunlight stimulates dopamine release in the retina, which slows abnormal eye growth linked to myopia,” he added.
Genetics too play a role, with children more likely to develop myopia if one or both parents are myopic.
Prevention and lifestyle changes
To curb rising cases, Dr Gupta recommended:
• Reduced screen time – ideally an hour or less after school.
• 20-20-20 rule – a 20-second break every 20 minutes, looking at something 20 feet away.
• Outdoor play – at least two hours of daily exposure to natural sunlight.
For diagnosed cases, treatments such as special lenses, low-dose atropine eye drops, and orthokeratology (night lenses) can help slow the progression.
“Myopia is not just a vision issue; it is a growing public health problem. Parents can protect their children’s eyesight by limiting screen use, encouraging outdoor activity, and ensuring early eye checkups,” Dr Gupta stressed.