The Rise of Myopia in Indian Kids: Reasons, Remedies, and Tips for Parents

Myopia, or nearsightedness, has become a growing concern among Indian children, with more cases being reported each year. This trend is not just limited to urban areas but is spreading across rural regions as well, driven by a combination of lifestyle changes, technological advancements, and environmental factors. Myopia can significantly impact a child’s quality of life, academic performance, and future prospects if not addressed early. This article explores the reasons for this rise, the remedies available, signs to watch for, and actionable tips for parents.

Understanding Myopia

Myopia occurs when the eyeball grows too long from front to back, or when the cornea (the clear front cover of the eye) is too curved, causing light entering the eye to focus incorrectly. This results in distant objects appearing blurry, while close objects are seen clearly.

Why Myopia is Increasing in Indian Kids

• Increased Screen Time
  • Digital Dependency: With the rise of online education, gaming, and social media, children spend more time on screens. Studies show that prolonged near-work activities, like reading or using screens, contribute to myopia.
  • Blue Light Exposure: Screens emit blue light that can penetrate deep into the eye, causing strain and possibly contributing to long-term retinal damage.
• Decline in Outdoor Activities
  • Urban Lifestyles: Modern housing in cities often lacks safe, open spaces for children to play, reducing outdoor exposure.
  • Sunlight's Role: Natural light helps regulate eye growth, and reduced exposure can increase the risk of myopia.
• Academic Pressure
  • Early Education Push: With children starting formal education as early as 2–3 years, their eyes are subjected to prolonged close-up tasks, like reading and writing, which can strain their developing vision.
  • Tuition and Homework: Many children spend additional hours on studies outside school, further limiting outdoor activities.
• Genetics
  • Family History: If one or both parents are myopic, children have a higher likelihood of developing the condition. While genetics play a role, environmental factors can exacerbate the problem.
• Dietary Deficiencies
  • Poor nutrition, particularly a lack of essential vitamins like vitamin A, C, and E, omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, and antioxidants, weakens eye health. Processed and junk food often replaces nutrient-dense meals in children’s diets.
• Pandemic-Induced Changes
  • The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated this issue, as children spent more time indoors with increased screen exposure and reduced physical activity.

Early Signs of Myopia in Children

Early detection is key to preventing further complications. Look out for:

• Behavioral Signs:
  • Sitting too close to the TV or holding books/devices very close to the eyes.
  • Frequent squinting to see distant objects.
  • Rubbing eyes excessively or complaining of headaches.
  • Avoiding outdoor activities or sports due to blurred vision.
• Performance Issues:
  • Difficulty reading the blackboard or seeing distant objects in class.
  • A drop in academic performance or interest due to vision problems.
• Physical Discomfort:
  • Watery or red eyes after prolonged reading or screen use.

Remedies for Myopia

• Corrective Lenses
  • Glasses: The most common and non-invasive option for correcting vision.
  • Contact Lenses: Suitable for older children who can manage proper hygiene.
• Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)
  • Special rigid contact lenses worn overnight temporarily reshape the cornea, improving vision during the day without glasses.
• Atropine Eye Drops
  • Low-dose atropine has been proven effective in slowing myopia progression in children, especially when used in combination with other therapies.
• Lifestyle Adjustments
  • Reducing near-work strain and incorporating outdoor play are vital.
• Advanced Surgical Options
  • While not recommended for children, laser surgery may be considered once vision stabilizes in adulthood.

Tips for Parents: Preventing and Managing Myopia

• Promote Outdoor Activities
  • Ensure at least 1–2 hours of outdoor play daily. Activities like running, cycling, or ball games are beneficial.
• Set Screen Time Rules
  • Follow the 20-20-20 rule: After every 20 minutes of screen time, encourage your child to look at an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
  • Limit screen time to 1 hour daily for children under 6 and ensure breaks for older kids.
• Create an Eye-Friendly Environment
  • Ensure proper lighting while reading or studying. Natural light is preferable during the day, and soft, warm lighting can reduce eye strain at night.
• Encourage a Balanced Diet
  • Include eye-friendly foods like:
    • Carrots, spinach, and sweet potatoes (rich in Vitamin A).
    • Fish, walnuts, and flaxseeds (high in omega-3 fatty acids).
    • Citrus fruits and berries (packed with Vitamin C).
• Monitor Eye Health
  • Schedule annual eye exams starting at 3 years old or earlier if there’s a family history of myopia.
• Teach Healthy Reading Habits
  • Encourage children to maintain a minimum reading distance of 12 inches and avoid reading in dim light or while lying down.
• Incorporate Eye Exercises
  • Simple practices like focusing on a distant object, palming (rubbing hands and placing them over closed eyes), and eye rotations can relax the eyes.
• Model Good Habits
  • Parents should lead by example, reducing their own screen time and engaging in physical activities with their children.

Long-Term Implications of Untreated Myopia

• If left unaddressed, myopia can lead to:
  • High myopia in adulthood, increasing the risk of conditions like retinal detachment, glaucoma, and cataracts.
  • Reduced academic and professional opportunities due to poor vision.