Virtual classes linked to increased myopia risk among children | Đa khoa

Children’s eye health is essential for the normal maturation process of their visual system. Lockdowns due to the COVID-19 pandemic caused a transition from the usual classroom-based learning to virtual lessons resulting in children’s increased exposure to screens.

“There are data from other countries which shows that the rates of myopia, or near-sightedness, a common eyesight condition where near objects are seen clearly while distant objects look blurry, increased during the pandemic when lockdowns were implemented and schooling went virtual,” said Dr Chin Pik Kee, a paediatric ophthalmologist.

“The increasing incidence of myopia among children is a growing concern worldwide. Apart from genetics, myopia is also caused by environmental factors such as urbanization of rural communities and the modern lifestyle. These changes result in activities of living shifting indoors and increasing amount of time doing near work,” she added.

Apart from the increased myopia rates, other issues related to children’s eye health include digital eye strain, eye injury, childhood obesity, and lack of awareness. (Table 1)

Although some causes of eye problems may be unavoidable, for example, the usage of computers or tablets for classes and homework, Chin noted that there are ways to help reduce the symptoms. Children should be advised to look away from the screen and into the distance every 20 minutes, blink often, sit with a good posture, take short breaks at regular intervals, and reduce recreational screen time, she said.

On the appropriate age of exposure to screens, Chin said, “My recommendation is for children to not start playing with digital gadgets until they reach 2 years old. After that, they may engage in screen-based activities together with their parents or carers, not alone and unsupervised. As for children below 10 years old, I suggest limiting recreational screen time to a maximum of 2 hours a day, with breaks in between.”

Spending at least 2 hours outdoors every day is an important factor for normal eye growth in children. Children who spend at least 2 hours outdoors daily are less likely to develop myopia. [Acta Ophthalmol 2017;95(6):551-566] Children with myopia were found to have a slower deterioration of vision when they increased time spent outdoors. [Optom Vis Sci 2019;96(4):276-282] Children need time for creative play and physical activities especially outdoors for holistic growth and development, and studies have consistently indicated that, said Chin.

Parents and carers should be advised to provide children with a healthy, balanced diet particularly foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vegetables and fruits. Examples of such foods are carrots, leafy greens, fish, and citrus fruits, which contain nutrients that support eye health. Educating children on eye safety and prevention of injuries may likely help them to maintain their eye health, said Chin.