Yesterday I went to an eye hospital for my 11-year-old son’s eye checkup. I was very surprised to see the crowd just in the pediatric ward of an eye hospital. That made me wonder why so many children (including my son) are suffering from vision problems at a very young age.
Some of the major causes are :
This increased use of screens has affected these little eyes. After the pandemic, most studies are online, including tuition and even vacation classes.
Another major issue is reduced outdoor activity. Natural light and looking at distant objects serve as a healthy habit for children as eye exercise, which is reduced when kids don’t spend quality time outside
Genetics is another reason. If both parents wear glasses at a very young age, the chances for kids to develop myopia are higher.
Poor reading habits are another reason. Reading in dim light or with books too close to the eyes can overstrain eyes and, in the long run, result in myopia.
Increased awareness about vision problems is another important reason. Yearly check-ups in schools, teachers, and parents caring about kids displaying early signs are helping in early detection of myopia in kids.
Of course, eating habits. Children are very fond of unhealthy foods, and most of them refuse to eat vitamin A-rich foods like carrots.
The 3 main instructions the doctor gave for my son are
- Reduce screen time
- A minimum of 1.5 hours of outdoor play, especially when the sun is there.
- Check-up after every 6 to 10 months, as with continuous usage of spectacles, power may get reduced, as the healing process is faster in kids.
Do you have any suggestions? Feel free to comment.
MBH/PS