Surge In Myopia Cases Amid Covid, Know Why It Is Important To Control Children's Screen Time

There has been an increase in myopia cases during the corona pandemic. The has been claimed in research by Chennai Hospital

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Research by Chennai Hospital has revealed that there has been an increase of 25 percent in cases of myopia (near-vision defects) among children in the last two years. Research further suggests that children who spend too much time online are five times more at risk of developing myopia. Myopia is a condition in which the object appears blurred at a particular distance.

What is the cause of myopia?

Excessive use of computer or pressure on the eyes for a long time can be the main reason for this. The online class caused a sudden increase in myopia cases among children. In addition, more time spent indoors than outdoors is also a determining factor in causing myopia. Experts say that with the lack of outdoor play time in the sunlight, and less activity like sports, children are at higher risk of myopia. With the closure of schools and online schooling, children are watching TV or playing games and are spending more time on virtual platforms. 

One of the major reasons for this condition is doing activities such as reading, and writing for a long time when the distance between the eyes and the object is less than 33 centimeters. During the covid-19 lockdown, it has become a common habit for children to stare at computers, laptops, mobiles or tablets for academic and other purposes and that too for a long time without a break. Such exposure to digital devices can have a dangerous effect on children's vision. Apart from that, digital devices emit light which can also cause problems other than myopia such as dryness of the eyes and the inability to see light. 

How to protect children's eyes?

The mobile phone or laptop should be viewed with a break in between. For example, if your child spends more time in front of a computer screen or mobile phone, then the child is at higher risk of eye problems and injury than children who take frequent breaks while doing the same thing. 

Parents should motivate children to use mobiles instead of laptops or computers if necessary for online studies. This is because the distance between the eyes and the digital device becomes more important. 

Children should play for 1 to 2 hours in the sunlight outside the house daily. A healthy and balanced diet promotes the overall development of children.