Some experts say that everyone spends too much time looking at screens, such as televisions, tablets, and phones. Is there harm in that? Well, these experts are also saying that a definite rise in myopia is linked to children on screens. If the pattern persists, we may have a generation of blind adults.
Definition
Myopia is nearsightedness. This means that one has trouble seeing distance.
Its Growth
The prevalence of nearsightedness in 2020, with the pandemic and people remaining indoors, increased sharply, ranging from 1.4 to 3 times that of the previous five years. A study also noted that younger children may be more sensitive to environmental changes, given that they’re in a critical period for eye growth and myopia development. Tests show that the younger the children are, the faster their myopia worsens and ultimately, the greater the risk. If untreated, these children may become blind as adults.
Avoiding Myopia
Screen time can affect your child’s myopia. Researchers are realizing that kids who spend time on screens are typically indoors, and reduced time outdoors can affect the development of myopia in children. Exposure to natural daylight is critical for eye development. Studies have found that children who spend more time indoors are more likely to develop myopia. The exact process is still being studied, but researchers believe UV and blue light (as long as the eyes are protected from intense sunlight) play an essential role in eye development. With children spending less time outdoors than in the past, the rate of nearsightedness has increased dramatically over the past 30 years.
Parents need to restrict children’s screen time. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children younger than 2 years old have no screen time. Older children’s screen time should be limited to no more than one or two hours a day.
Testing
Does your child keep the phone or tablet close to his face? Can he see the blackboard? Are there frequent headaches? A quick eye exam by a professional can answer questions and help set your child on the right track.
