New Delhi, India — Eye doctors have sounded the alarm during Myopia Awareness Week, revealing that a staggering one third of all urban children in India aged 5–15 years are projected to suffer from myopia, commonly known as nearsightedness, by the year 2030. This concerning trend highlights a significant public health issue not only in India but globally, as myopia rates continue to rise among children and young adults.
Myopia is a condition characterized by clear vision of nearby objects but blurred vision of distant ones. It has become increasingly prevalent worldwide, with projections indicating that by 2050, one in every two individuals could be myopic. This rise in myopia, particularly among children and young adults, has prompted health experts to raise awareness about the importance of early detection and prevention measures.
Recent data shows a concerning increase in the frequency of myopia among urban youngsters aged 5 to 15 in India. From a prevalence of 4.4% in 1999, the rate rose to 21.1% in 2019. Based on an annual slope of 0.8%, projections suggest that by 2030, the percentage of urban children with myopia could skyrocket to 31.89%, reaching 40% by 2040 and a staggering 48.1% by 2050. This indicates that within the next 25 years, one in every two children in India could be affected by myopia, a significant escalation from the current rate of one in four. Dr. Smit M. Bavariya, a cataract surgeon, has observed a worrying uptick in myopia cases among urban children. “We are witnessing a steady rise in the number of myopia cases, with approximately 120,000 myopic patients under the age of 20 visiting Dr. Agarwal’s Eye Hospital every year across India,” stated Dr. Bavariya.
Sharing further insights, Dr. Bavariya highlighted a survey conducted in 2017, which found that out of 1,000 children aged between 3-15 in an urban slum area of Mumbai, 200 were diagnosed with myopia. This underscores the pervasive nature of the condition, even among children living in underserved communities.
Several factors contribute to the alarming rise in childhood myopia cases, according to Dr. Bavariya. A sedentary lifestyle, excessive screen time, and a decline in outdoor activities are among the primary culprits. “Children who spend prolonged periods in front of screens experience accelerated myopic changes due to the strain on their eyes, retinas, and brains, particularly during critical periods of eye development,” explained Dr. Bavariya.
Furthermore, reduced exposure to natural light due to decreased outdoor activities deprives children of essential stimuli for healthy eye development. The combination of these factors exacerbates the risk of myopia and underscores the urgent need for interventions to address this growing public health crisis.
The alarming rise in myopia prevalence among urban children in India calls for urgent action from policymakers, healthcare professionals, and parents alike. Public health initiatives aimed at promoting outdoor activities, limiting screen time, and encouraging regular eye check-ups for children are essential to mitigate the impact of myopia.
Educational campaigns targeting parents and caregivers should emphasize the importance of adopting healthy lifestyle habits from an early age to safeguard children’s eye health. Additionally, increased investment in eye care infrastructure and resources, particularly in underserved communities, is crucial to ensure equitable access to eye health services for all children.
As myopia rates continue to soar among urban children in India, the need for concerted action to address this growing public health crisis has never been more urgent. Health experts and policymakers must collaborate to implement effective strategies for prevention, early detection, and management of myopia. By prioritizing children’s eye health and promoting healthy lifestyle habits, we can work towards a future where every child has the opportunity to enjoy clear vision and a bright future.
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