Amid the quick transformation to digital platforms, children have come under the radar for various eye defects, with increasing cases of myopia, or short-sightedness, stated an AIIMS doctor.
Myopia is the most widely-spread vision defect, is very common and is estimated to affect at least one-fifth of the global population, accounting for at least 45% among adults, and 25% among children, said Dr. Namrata, a Professor at the AIIMS Eye Centre.
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‘Myopia constitutes a significant health problem in children worldwide. Apart from the prominence of genetic factors, where the risk factor for the development of myopia in children doubles when both the parents are near-sighted, environmental factors and the digital reformation have also added to the burden at an alarming rate post-Covid.’
“Unattended or uncorrected short-sightedness is the most common cause of vision loss, developing cataract, macular degeneration, retinal detachment and glaucoma, she said adding that it is mandatory to seek immediate intervention to prevent complications in adulthood.
Eye Defects in Children
Dr. Namrata was speaking at an event organized by the All India Ophthalmology Society held to raise awareness against vision defects among the pediatric population. The Ophthalmology society also launched a consensus guideline on preventing and managing childhood myopia on the occasion.
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“While pediatric ophthalmologists have published many guidelines from the west, there has been no such practice patterns available for Indian ophthalmologists and what would be the preferred clinical practice for our country. This document hopes to fill this void and provide guidelines in the Indian scenario,” AIOS President, Dr. Barun Kumar Nayak, said.
Source: IANS
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