New Delhi: A recent study has revealed that there has been a significant increase in the cases of myopia in children after the COVID-19 pandemic. Now one out of every three children is a victim of myopia. This is a problem in which it is difficult to see distant objects. It is estimated that by the year 2050, cases of myopia in children may reach 74 crores.
What is the reason for increasing myopia in children?
According to studies, the reason for the increasing cases of myopia is excessive screen time. There was no option but to go out during the lockdown imposed during the Covid-19 pandemic. Therefore, everything from children's education to entertainment happens through mobile phones or computers. Despite this, children spend most of their time in front of the phone or computer. Due to this his screen time has increased significantly. Too much screen time also causes problems like eye strain, redness and dryness, which can harm the eyes. There may be some other factors of excessive screen time which can cause myopia, such as-
genetics – If one or both of the parents have myopia, their children are more likely to have it too.
lack of outdoor activities – Playing outside and being in sunlight provides rest to the eyes and reduces the risk of myopia, but its deficiency can cause damage to the eyes.
Reading in low light – Reading or using the phone in low light puts more strain on the eyes, which can cause myopia.
ways to avoid
It can be difficult to prevent myopia completely, especially if there is a family history. However, its impact can be reduced by adopting some measures, such as:
encourage outdoor activities – Encourage children to play outside for at least 2-3 hours every day.
limit screen time – Computers, tablets and smartphones should not be used for more than 2 hours every day.
relax the eyes – Follow the 20-20-20 rule to rest the eyes regularly. That means, after every 20 minutes of screen time, look at an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
Read in the right light- While studying, keep in mind that there is good lighting in the children's room and do not allow them to use the phone in the dark.
regular eye checkup : Regular eye examination is important for children, so that early symptoms of myopia can be detected and proper treatment can be done.
Pay attention to nutrition- The child's diet should be rich in vitamins A, D, E and omega-3 fatty acids.
eye exercises : Some eye exercises can also help prevent myopia. These may include rolling the eyes, closing and relaxing the eyes, and focusing on distant objects.
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