With tablets, smartphones, and computers becoming an integral part of children's daily lives, eye health experts in Bengaluru are raising red flags about a sharp rise in vision problems among children. Cases of myopia (nearsightedness) and dry eye syndrome are steadily increasing, prompting ophthalmologists to urge parents to take immediate steps to limit screen exposure.
How the Pandemic Sparked a Surge in Myopia and Eye Strain in Children
Ophthalmologists say that the Covid-19 pandemic dramatically accelerated screen usage among children, placing unprecedented strain on their eyes. According to doctors, many children who spent hours on online classes, games, and social media began to experience blurred vision and eye fatigue.
Dr Naren Shetty, head of the department of cataract and refractive lens services at Narayana Nethralaya, told TOI, “Pre-pandemic, we would see two to three cases of dry eyes or myopia in children each month. Post-pandemic, this number has jumped to 10–16 monthly, and immediately after the pandemic, we were seeing five to eight cases every week.”
Most children first notice the problem when they struggle to read the classroom board or textbooks, signalling early stages of myopia.
Screen Time, Lack of Sunlight, and Nutritional Deficiencies
Experts highlight that while screen time is a major factor, other lifestyle elements also contribute to worsening eye health. Reduced outdoor activity and minimal sunlight exposure can lead to Vitamin D deficiency, while poor nutrition can weaken overall eye function. Extensive reading and continuous close-up focus add to the strain.
A study conducted by Narayana Nethralaya found that dopamine levels play a critical role in eye health. Children who spent more than two hours outdoors daily had higher dopamine levels in their tears and were less likely to experience myopia progression. Dr Naren told TOI, “Dopamine, stimulated by sunlight exposure, helps slow down the elongation of the eyeball which causes myopia.”
Modern Treatments for Myopia: Beyond Just Glasses
Gone are the days when children with myopia were simply prescribed glasses while the condition continued to worsen. Advances in paediatric ophthalmology now offer treatments designed to slow or even prevent progression.
Dr Sri Ganesh, chairman and MD of Nethradhama Hospitals, told TOI, “Low-dose atropine eye drops and lenslet glasses are among the innovative treatments now available. Lenslet glasses create a peripheral defocus, which discourages the eye from elongating, preventing further worsening of myopia.”
Cataracts and Squints in Children: Why Early Detection Matters
Bengaluru eye specialists also report a rise in juvenile cataracts and squints among children, sometimes linked to nutritional deficiencies. Early diagnosis is key to correcting these conditions effectively.
Dr Sri Ganesh told TOI, “Juvenile cataracts can appear as early as four or five years old. Squints, if detected early, can be treated so that children can develop proper binocular vision. Beyond the age of six, treatment may only be cosmetic.”
Simple Steps Parents Can Take to Protect Their Child’s Eye Health
Ophthalmologists recommend practical measures that can help children maintain healthy vision while balancing unavoidable screen time:
Protecting Your Child’s Vision in a Digital Age
As screen use among children becomes unavoidable, awareness and proactive measures are crucial. Regular eye check-ups, combined with a balanced lifestyle that includes outdoor play, good nutrition, and controlled screen time, can safeguard children against the silent epidemic of myopia and other eye disorders.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
How the Pandemic Sparked a Surge in Myopia and Eye Strain in Children
Ophthalmologists say that the Covid-19 pandemic dramatically accelerated screen usage among children, placing unprecedented strain on their eyes. According to doctors, many children who spent hours on online classes, games, and social media began to experience blurred vision and eye fatigue.
Dr Naren Shetty, head of the department of cataract and refractive lens services at Narayana Nethralaya, told TOI, “Pre-pandemic, we would see two to three cases of dry eyes or myopia in children each month. Post-pandemic, this number has jumped to 10–16 monthly, and immediately after the pandemic, we were seeing five to eight cases every week.”
Most children first notice the problem when they struggle to read the classroom board or textbooks, signalling early stages of myopia.
Screen Time, Lack of Sunlight, and Nutritional Deficiencies
Experts highlight that while screen time is a major factor, other lifestyle elements also contribute to worsening eye health. Reduced outdoor activity and minimal sunlight exposure can lead to Vitamin D deficiency, while poor nutrition can weaken overall eye function. Extensive reading and continuous close-up focus add to the strain.
A study conducted by Narayana Nethralaya found that dopamine levels play a critical role in eye health. Children who spent more than two hours outdoors daily had higher dopamine levels in their tears and were less likely to experience myopia progression. Dr Naren told TOI, “Dopamine, stimulated by sunlight exposure, helps slow down the elongation of the eyeball which causes myopia.”
Modern Treatments for Myopia: Beyond Just Glasses
Gone are the days when children with myopia were simply prescribed glasses while the condition continued to worsen. Advances in paediatric ophthalmology now offer treatments designed to slow or even prevent progression.
Dr Sri Ganesh, chairman and MD of Nethradhama Hospitals, told TOI, “Low-dose atropine eye drops and lenslet glasses are among the innovative treatments now available. Lenslet glasses create a peripheral defocus, which discourages the eye from elongating, preventing further worsening of myopia.”
Cataracts and Squints in Children: Why Early Detection Matters
Bengaluru eye specialists also report a rise in juvenile cataracts and squints among children, sometimes linked to nutritional deficiencies. Early diagnosis is key to correcting these conditions effectively.
Dr Sri Ganesh told TOI, “Juvenile cataracts can appear as early as four or five years old. Squints, if detected early, can be treated so that children can develop proper binocular vision. Beyond the age of six, treatment may only be cosmetic.”
Simple Steps Parents Can Take to Protect Their Child’s Eye Health
Ophthalmologists recommend practical measures that can help children maintain healthy vision while balancing unavoidable screen time:
- Limit daily screen usage: Encourage breaks and regulate time spent on digital devices.
- Conscious blinking: Teach children to blink frequently to prevent dry eyes.
- 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look at an object more than 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.
- Balanced nutrition: Include foods rich in Vitamin A, C, E, omega-3 fatty acids, and zinc to support eye health.
- Outdoor activity and sunlight exposure: At least 30 minutes of daily outdoor play can boost dopamine levels and reduce myopia risk.
- Regular eye check-ups: Early detection of myopia, squints, and cataracts ensures timely treatment and better long-term outcomes.
Protecting Your Child’s Vision in a Digital Age
As screen use among children becomes unavoidable, awareness and proactive measures are crucial. Regular eye check-ups, combined with a balanced lifestyle that includes outdoor play, good nutrition, and controlled screen time, can safeguard children against the silent epidemic of myopia and other eye disorders.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
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