AIIMS Meeting Highlights Alarming Rise in Visual Impairment Among Youth Across India
NEW DELHI – In the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, a concerning trend has emerged among the youth population in India, particularly in urban areas, as reported by a recent study discussed during a meeting held at AIIMS. The prolonged usage of digital devices, such as mobile phones and tablets, has led to a significant surge in myopia, commonly known as nearsightedness, among schoolchildren. Experts have noted a staggering 20% increase in the necessity for corrective eyewear among urban children and a seven to eight percent rise in rural areas.
During a meeting convened at AIIMS, Dr. RP Center highlighted the escalating prevalence of visual impairment and myopia among children. Prof. Dr. Rohit Saxena shed light on the concerning statistics, citing that in East Asian countries like Singapore, approximately 80-90% of children suffer from visual impairment. While India has traditionally seen a lower prevalence, recent trends indicate a rapid escalation. A survey conducted in 2001 reported a myopia rate of seven percent, which has since climbed to 12-13%, indicating a worrying trajectory. Dr. Promila Gupta emphasized that while visual impairment was previously common among adolescents aged 12-18 years, the pandemic has accelerated its onset, affecting children at younger ages. Dr. Praveen Vashishtha, a prominent figure at Dr. RP Center, also participated in the discussion, underscoring the urgency of the issue.
Dr. Gupta stressed the need for awareness among parents, highlighting that 25% of children require glasses, yet many hesitate to wear them. To address this reluctance, she emphasized the crucial role of parental involvement and proposed initiatives to distribute 15 lakh spectacles, leveraging the influence of social media influencers and educators. Recognizing the significance of early detection, she outlined key symptoms of vision impairment, such as squinting, excessive blinking, and watering eyes, urging parents to prioritize outdoor activities and monitor screen time.
In line with preventive measures, Dr. Saxena advised limiting screen exposure, maintaining a distance of four to six feet from smart screens, and taking regular breaks to mitigate eye strain. Encouraging outdoor activities, he emphasized the importance of spending at least two hours outdoors daily. However, he expressed concern over the shift from television to mobile screens among children, urging parents to monitor and regulate screen time effectively.
Vision Spring President Jordan underscored the broader implications of visual impairment, noting its impact on commercial drivers and the economy. With an estimated 55 crore people in need of spectacles, addressing this issue could potentially boost GDP by three to six percent, emphasizing the urgency of proactive interventions.
As the nation grapples with the aftermath of the pandemic, addressing the rising incidence of visual impairment among children emerges as a pressing public health priority, necessitating concerted efforts from stakeholders to safeguard the eye health of the younger generation.