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Myopia in Children – COVID Impact, Causes & How to Protect Your Child’s Eyesight

Introduction: Why Children’s Eyesight Is at Greater Risk Today

The pandemic changed everything — especially for children. With schools going online and playtime moving indoors, myopia (nearsightedness) in children has increased dramatically.

📍 If you’re in Film Nagar, Jubilee Hills, or Hitech City, CSR Eye Hospital offers specialized pediatric eye exams to detect and manage myopia early.

What Is Myopia?

Myopia is a common eye condition where distant objects appear blurry, while close-up vision remains clear. It usually develops in school-age children and progresses as they grow.

What Happens in the Eye?

The eyeball grows too long or the cornea is too curved — causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of on it.

How COVID-19 Accelerated Childhood Myopia

Increased Screen Time
  • Online classes, mobile games, and OTT platforms caused excessive near work
  • Children spent 6–10+ hours on digital screens daily during lockdowns

Reduced Outdoor Exposure
  • Lack of sunlight disrupts dopamine release in the retina, a natural protective factor against myopia
  • Sedentary indoor routines worsened eye health

Disrupted Sleep & Stress
  • Irregular sleep, anxiety, and isolation indirectly affected visual development

Why Early Detection Matters

Children won’t always complain about vision issues. Left untreated, myopia can progress to high myopia, increasing the risk of:

  • Retinal detachment
  • Glaucoma
  • Early cataracts
  • Permanent vision loss

📊 1 in 3 school-age children in India is projected to be myopic by 2030.

Signs Your Child May Have Myopia

Watch for these red flags:

  • Squinting or blinking frequently
  • Holding books or devices too close
  • Complaining of headaches or tired eyes
  • Falling grades due to poor board visibility

Avoiding outdoor play or sports

What Parents Can Do – Tips to Prevent or Slow Myopia

1. Encourage Outdoor Play
  • At least 2 hours daily in natural sunlight
  • Activities like cycling, walking, or playing in the park can help

2. Limit Screen Time
  • Set digital curfews post-school hours
  • Prefer books, puzzles, and arts over digital content

3. Follow the 20-20-20 Rule
  • Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds

4. Ensure Good Lighting
  • Bright, indirect light reduces eye strain during reading or studying

Pediatric Eye Care at CSR Eye Hospital

At CSR Eye Hospital, we specialize in diagnosing and managing myopia in children with:

  • Child-friendly visual acuity testing
  • Comprehensive retina and refractive screening
  • Parental counseling for habit changes
  • Customized vision therapy plans
  • Myopia control options like low-dose atropine or specialty lenses

Myopia Control Options Available

Option

How It Helps

Low-Dose Atropine Drops

Slows eye growth in children

Orthokeratology Lenses

Worn overnight to reshape the cornea

Multifocal Contact Lenses

Help reduce progression while correcting vision

Spectacle Lenses (Myopia Control Designs)

Safer for younger kids

📞 Consult our pediatric eye specialist to find the best solution for your child.

FAQs About Myopia in Children

Q1. At what age does myopia usually begin?
A: It typically starts between 6–14 years of age.

Q2. Can myopia be cured?
A: No cure, but progression can be slowed with proper care and treatment.

Q3. Are glasses the only option?
A: Not anymore — several non-surgical myopia control options are available.

Q4. Should I be worried if my child spends too much time indoors?
A: Yes. Reduced outdoor exposure is a major risk factor for myopia.

Q5. How often should kids get eye exams?
A: Every 6–12 months, especially if there’s a family history of myopia.

Don’t Let Screens Steal Your Child’s Vision

Myopia is growing faster than ever — but so are solutions. At CSR Eye Hospital, we combine expert care with modern technology to help children enjoy healthy, clear vision for life.

📞 Book a pediatric eye exam at CSR Eye Hospital today
📍 Conveniently located in Film Nagar, Hyderabad