Brazilian ophthalmologists issue new eye health guidelines

At the 70th Brazilian Congress of Ophthalmology in Salvador, the Brazilian Council of Ophthalmology (CBO) and the Brazilian Society of Pediatric Ophthalmology (SBOP) released new guidelines and educational materials regarding eye health.

To combat the rise of myopia in children and adolescents, experts released the guide ‘Mais Tempo ao Ar Livre, Mais Saúde para os Olhos’. The document links excessive screen time and low exposure to natural light to increased myopia. It recommends that children spend at least two hours daily outdoors and suggests strict screen time limits based on age.

Regarding diabetic retinopathy, specialists emphasized that uncontrolled diabetes can damage retinal blood vessels, potentially leading to blindness. The CBO recommends that diabetic patients undergo annual eye exams, such as fundus examinations, to ensure early diagnosis and prevent irreversible vision loss. Experts noted that vision loss is not inevitable if the condition is managed through glycemic control and regular medical monitoring.