World Health Day 2025: The amount of time people spend on digital screens is skyrocketing across all devices, whether it's working on laptops or scrolling through social media on smartphones. Digital devices have become a must-have for entertainment, work, and everyday tasks. However, while they make life easier, they are taking a toll on our eyes. The rise in screen time is contributing to an increase in myopia, particularly among younger individuals.

In a recent chat with a Lifestyle Magazine, Dr. Ajay Sharma, the Founder and Chief Medical Director of Eye-Q Eye Hospitals, shared insights on the concerning rise of myopia.

He explained, “One of the most common visual issues affected by this digital trend is myopia, or nearsightedness. This condition allows people to see nearby objects clearly, but distant ones appear blurry. Myopia can range from mild (under 3 diopters) to severe (over 6 diopters). With the rise in screen time, especially among kids and young adults, myopia cases are skyrocketing worldwide, and it's estimated that by 2050, nearly half of the population will be impacted. This has raised alarms about the potential future challenges of high myopia, which can lead to serious problems like permanent blindness.”

Dr. Sharma explored the possible reasons behind myopia, emphasizing how the rise of digital technology has become a major factor, as screens are now a key part of our everyday routines.

He mentioned:

• The widespread use of digital gadgets such as smartphones, tablets, and computers has led to a significant increase in the time people spend on tasks that require close vision, resulting in extended periods of near-vision use. A study from Clinical and Experimental Optometry in May 2021 revealed a clear link between mobile data consumption and the rise of myopia, showing that those with myopia use almost double the data compared to those without the condition.
• This trend has only grown stronger since the COVID-19 pandemic began, as online learning, remote work, and digital entertainment have become part of daily life. Kids, in particular, are spending as much as 8 hours a day on these devices, often at distances much closer than what is typical for reading books or doing other near tasks.
• Additionally, the decrease in outdoor activities has worsened the myopia situation. Getting outside is essential for healthy vision because natural light plays a key role in eye development. On the other hand, indoor activities, especially those involving screens, limit exposure to adequate light, which can worsen myopia. Engaging in near-focus tasks like reading, writing, and using digital devices up close has a cumulative impact on eye health, particularly during crucial developmental stages..

It's clear that devices are here to stay, making our lives easier and more efficient. However, we can't overlook the negative impact they have on eye health, especially for kids. It's crucial to adopt a mindful and balanced approach to screen time.

Dr. Sharma shared some helpful prevention tips:

• One of the best ways to protect against myopia is to spend more time outdoors. Studies show that just two hours of outdoor play each day can significantly lower the risk of myopia in children.
• Another important step is to limit screen time, especially for younger kids. It's beneficial to encourage regular breaks during activities that require close vision and to keep a proper distance from screens to reduce eye strain.
• Try the "20-20-20" rule when using devices: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break to look at something 20 feet away. This helps ease eye strain and relaxes the eye muscles.
• Parents and teachers should also promote activities that encourage distance vision, like outdoor sports or hobbies that don’t involve screens. In some cases, specialized glasses, contact lenses, or eye drops can be used to help slow down the progression of myopia.

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