It’s becoming increasingly common to see young children with poor eyesight wearing glasses these days. Clinical studies suggest a significant increase in children experiencing a vision condition known as myopia or nearsightedness. This means they can see nearby objects clearly, but struggle with those farther away.
It’s projected that half of all children will be afflicted with myopia by 2050. According to the data-based predictions undertaken by experts at Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital, an eyecare chain, “as many as one-third of all urban children in India aged 5-15 years are expected to suffer from myopia by 2030”.
It said that the predictions – based on the slope of 0.8 percent every year – indicate that the prevalence of myopia among urban children will increase to “31.89 percent in 2030, 40 percent in 2040 and 48.1 percent in 2050”. This means “one out of every two children in India will be suffering from myopia in the next 25 years, up from one in four currently.”
The data is in sync with findings at eye clinics where ophthalmologists are diagnosing more and more children with weaker vision. More than half a dozen doctors News18 spoke to echoed similar concerns.
Dr Vijay Parbatani, consultant, ophthalmology at Manipal Hospital in Kharadi, Pune termed the surge as “an epidemic”.
“Now, myopia has become an epidemic among children in India. Just a decade ago, the percentage of myopia amongst children was 5 to 7 percent and today it has jumped to 20 to 25 percent. And now, it is expected that by 2050, every third child might be suffering from myopia in India.”
Similarly, Dr Himika Gupta, a consultant ophthalmologist at Mumbai-based SRCC Children’s Hospital told News18, that the myopia prevalence among urban children has “tripled”, blaming “increased screen time” as the prime reason.
“The trend marks a drastic increase from 1999 to 2019 where myopia prevalence among urban children tripled from 4.44 percent to 21.15 percent,” she said.
Experts said the trend is more prevalent in urban kids due to reduced outdoor activities in urban is yet another risk factor.
Dr Parul M Sharma, head of the department, Fortis Eye Institute, Gurugram said:“This is more in urban kids which can start at any age from 3 years to 14 years old.” Sharma added that she has now observed a sharply rising trend in cases of myopia in the past 25 years of her career.
How to Spot the Symptoms?
According to experts, it is important to detect and treat myopia immediately in children as a delay can lead to amblyopia also known as lazy eye syndrome.
The United States National Institute of Health explains that “lazy eye syndrome” develops when there’s a breakdown in how the brain and the eye work together, and the brain can’t recognize the sight from one eye.
“Over time, the brain relies more and more on the other, stronger eye — while vision in the weaker eye gets worse. It’s called ‘lazy eye’ because the stronger eye works better.”
Hence, parents need to pick symptoms early. Top symptoms include blurry vision, difficulty seeing distant objects, eye strain, headaches, and fatigue—particularly after prolonged screen use.
What are the Causes?
Experts believe that the early exposure of children to television and mobile screens is the biggest culprit. “Even two to three years old kids are exposed to TV and mobile screens,” Gupta from SRCC Children’s Hospital said, adding that “the high academic pressures and extensive use of digital devices for education and entertainment contribute significantly to eye strain and myopia development.”
Kids are vulnerable and prevention at an early stage is crucial, doctors warn. In fact, doctors have witnessed an influx of patients post-Covid as during the school closure period amid the lockdowns children were exposed to digital screens and laptops – both for entertainment and studying.
“We have witnessed an increase of 2-3 times more after the Covid pandemic,” said Dr Sanjiv Gupta, director and senior eye surgeon at i Care Centre in New Delhi. “The high academic pressures and extensive use of digital devices for both education and entertainment contribute significantly to eye strain and the development of myopia.”
What Should be Done?
Experts believe that there is a need to educate children about the hazards and benefits of regular outdoor play, limiting screen time, ensuring proper lighting while reading, and regular eye check-ups.
Sharma from Fortis explained that the progression of myopia in children is related to genetic factors and living environments as well such as decreased outdoor activity, and increased time spent on gadgets.
She cited that as per the guidelines published by All India Ophthalmological Society 40 to 120 minutes of outdoor time and sun exposure is associated with reduced incidence of myopia.
“Thus, schools should include the specific period for outdoor activities in their curriculum. Children on screen for study purposes should learn to take frequent eye breaks from the screen and follow the 20-20 rule — close your eyes for 20 seconds every 20 mins.”
Parbatani from Manipal Hospital advised to make sure that the children are exposed to enough sunlight for vitamin D. “Besides which are there are few scientific methods in preventing Axial length increase which need awareness amongst parents.”
Possible Cures
While doctors insist that prevention is best and vision-related constrictions cannot be cured completely, the child may need long-life assistance of glasses or contact lenses. Laser vision correction treatment can also be opted after the age of 19 years.
Dr Gupta said that on the brighter side there is a breakthrough in science to combat myopia situation. “Now new eyes drops are available to control range of mypoia progression as well as customised spectacles which the specialists are recommending,” she said, adding that these modalities usually help in a particular age group, and outcomes may differ on case-to-case basis.
“However, increasing outdoor activity and avoiding screentime would be a safe and effective method to decrease chance of getting myopia in all kids.”
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