Myopia: Covid Is Reducing Children’s Eyesight, ‘Myopia’ How Much Concern?: Nearsightedness: Children were confined at home for a long time during Covid. Didn’t get a chance to go out of the house. This has affected their growth
Why has this problem increased post covid?
In the post-Covid world, multiple problems have arisen in human society and the human body. Staying out of the house for long periods of time and not socializing have long-term effects on mental health. People have become accustomed to sitting on their mobile phones for hours instead of chatting, talking, and gossiping.
Continuous use of laptops and mobile phones increases the pressure on the eyes. As obesity, hormonal imbalance, thyroid, cholesterol, and diabetes problems have increased, so have eye problems. Doctors have repeatedly said that the blue light of mobile phones and laptops is not good for the eyes. Directly affecting eyesight. Problems like dry eyes are also increasing. 65 lakh people have died worldwide due to covid. In India, Covid has claimed 5.2 lakh lives. ‘Digital eye strain’ (DES) has emerged as a major problem in the post-pandemic era. Myopia or nearsightedness has increased especially in children. According to a report in The Times of India, Hyderabad’s L.V. 2 studies have recently been published by Prasad Eye Hospital. And in that study, it is strongly said that 4 out of every 100 children are suffering from the problem of myopia. Compared to last year this number has also increased by 20% this year.
And this problem has increased so much that various initiatives have been announced by the government. The Maharashtra government has arranged for army doctors to be sent to villages for eye examinations of children from this November. But at the moment, India is in a much better position than other Asian countries. Singapore is leading the world in the problem of myopia. 80 percent of the youth there are suffering from low vision problems. Children in China, Taiwan, and Korea also have the same problem. The study also says that by 2050, the number of people suffering from myopia and hyperopia will increase by almost 50% compared to the total population. This myopia problem is first seen in children aged 8 to 12 years. The problem tends to increase with puberty, stabilizing or ‘stabilizing’ between the ages of 20 and 40.
This problem of myopia has increased in the post-Covid era. Ophthalmologist Dr. Himadri Dutta was contacted by TV9 Bangla about the matter. Dr. Dutta said, “The problem of myopia has increased among children. Children were under house arrest for a long time during covid. Didn’t get a chance to go out of the house. This has affected their growth. They are used to online classes, and online games. As a result, eye problems are increasing.” Dr. Dutt also said, at the same time there is no opportunity to go out or play in the field. As a result, the problem of eye minus power is increasing. After 18 years this problem is reduced a lot. That is, then there is less possibility of power increase.
How do parents understand that their child is suffering from myopia?
There was no school for a long time. As a result, the children were used to online classes. After going to school they come home saying they can’t see the board. My eyes are hurting. After that, the parents take them to the doctor. And so there is only one way to prevent this problem: increase outdoor activity. Also, doctor’s advice and regular checkups are very important. It is important for everyone to have their eyes checked at least twice a year.
If the cornea or eyeball is too long, a clear image is not formed on the retina. Focuses on the light-sensitive part of the eye instead of the retina. As a result, vision becomes blurred. This is why myopia is a problem.
