India faces rising childhood myopia linked to screen use

Health experts say myopia cases among Indian children are climbing sharply as digital device use expands. Dr Jeewan Singh, former chief of the Dr RP Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences and dean at AIIMS, warned, “Myopia in India, especially in children is increasing and the main causes for this surge is increased screen time, decreased outdoor activities and low sunlight exposure, parents having myopia themselves & school curriculums focused on use of tablets or laptops for digital learning.” Dr Digvijay Singh, director of Noble Eye Care in Gurugram, described the trend as “an epidemic of myopia the world over” in the digital age.

The experts recommend cutting prolonged screen exposure, taking regular breaks – the 20‑20‑20 rule (20 seconds looking 20 feet away every 20 minutes) – and ensuring at least two hours of outdoor activity daily in natural light. They also advise using larger screens at a distance, moderate brightness, proper lighting, and prescription glasses when needed. In progressive cases, low‑dose atropine drops, DIMS lenses, peripheral defocus glasses, or ortho‑k contact lenses may be considered. Strengthening school‑based vision‑screening programmes is urged to detect and manage myopia early.

These recommendations aim to curb the growing visual health issue affecting millions of Indian youths as screen‑centric education and leisure continue to expand.