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Nearsightedness doubles in kids: A 50-year first
14 Nov
Summary
- Childhood myopia prevalence has doubled in six years.
- Rural children show higher myopia rates than urban.
- Study highlights screen time impact on developing eyes.
Myopia, or nearsightedness, has alarmingly doubled among schoolchildren in the past six years, according to a recent study. National data from 2020 indicated a 7% incidence, but a new survey conducted between August and October 2026 found 14.2% of over 4,200 children surveyed had the condition.
This surge coincides with increased screen use by students during the COVID-19 pandemic, which necessitated online classes for over two years. Notably, the study revealed a higher prevalence of myopia among rural children (16.26%) compared to urban children (13.06%), a reversal of previous trends.
This marks the first comprehensive survey of childhood myopia in Chandigarh in nearly 50 years, with previous data from the 1970s showing a prevalence of 4.7%. The initiative is part of a nationwide eye-screening project aiming to gather crucial data on myopia across India.
Experts are calling for stricter measures on children's digital exposure, suggesting restrictions on screen time and social media use, similar to policies in the UK and Australia. They warn that early-onset myopia can lead to severe long-term eye complications, including retinal issues, glaucoma, and cataracts, significantly impacting quality of life.
