If a child spends a lot of time on their phone or watching television, and also avoids playing outside, this can be dangerous for their vision. Medical professionals note that such habits contribute to the development of myopia (nearsightedness). With this condition, nearby objects are seen clearly, while distant objects appear blurry, which is colloquially referred to as poor eyesight. This disease is rapidly spreading among children.
Myopia occurs when the eye becomes larger than normal. In this state, light entering the eye focuses before the retina, rather than on it. The consequence is blurred distance vision, which forces the child to wear glasses.
According to a PubMed report, cases of myopia in India are growing very rapidly, especially among children. In 1999, the rate of myopia among urban children aged 5 to 15 in India was about 4.4%, but recently it has exceeded 21%. Experts warn that if this trend continues, between 23% and 50% of children in India may suffer from this disease by 2050, making myopia a serious public health concern for the country.
Dr. A.K. Grover from the Ophthalmology Department of Sar Gangaram Hospital in Delhi, speaking with Aajtak.in, reported a sharp increase in the number of myopia cases among children in recent years. The main causes cited are the increased use of screens at an early age and lack of physical activity. Scientific studies confirm that children who play outdoors have a lower risk of developing myopia.
Dr. Grover noted that previously children used to spend time in sports fields after school, but now their world has narrowed down to mobile devices, video games, and social media, which negatively affects vision. He emphasized that children are spending more and more time on tablets and laptops.
Dr. Grover explains that numerous scientific studies and evidence confirm that spending time outdoors helps prevent the deterioration of distance vision. When children play outdoors, their eyes focus on objects at different distances, which reduces constant strain on the eyes. Furthermore, natural light promotes normal eye development. Scientists believe that sunlight activates chemical substances in the eye that can prevent abnormal eye elongation, thereby reducing the likelihood of myopia.
In Dr. Grover's opinion, it is not enough just to keep children away from screens; it is crucial to take them out for a walk outdoors for at least one or two hours daily. It is also necessary to limit screen time, take breaks during continuous viewing, and regularly undergo eye examinations for children.