* 4.71% of the children from urban areas in Bengaluru being affected, compared to 3.18% in rural areas
Myopia, or nearsightedness, is rising as a common vision concern among children with around 23% of the school-going children in India being affected, and is expected to reach 53% by 2050, according to Association of Community Ophthalmologists of India (ACOIN). As Myopia Awareness Week is observed, ophthalmologists say that many children do not realize they have a vision problem, and parents often find out only when their child starts having trouble in their eye sight in school.
Myopia among children is higher in urban areas. For instance, according to an RGUHS Journal study, 4.71% of the children from urban areas in Bengaluru being affected, compared to 3.18% in rural areas. The chances of getting myopia increase with age — about 13% of children aged 5–8 years were affected, while over 40% of those aged 9–15 years had the condition.
Doctors believe this increase is linked to more screen time and less outdoor play. A recent study published in Jama Network, found that spending even one extra hour per day on smartphones or tablets can raise the risk of myopia by 21%. This highlights the need to monitor children's digital screen use closely.
Dr. Savitha Arun, Director, Medical Superintendent, Quality Assurance Coordinator and Senior Consultant - Anterior Segment & Electrophysiology, Nethradhama Super Speciality Eye Hospital, explains, “We see a significant number of children presenting with undiagnosed vision problems each month — on average, over 100 new patients and around 250 follow-up cases are brought in for complaints related to poor eyesight during the holiday season. Many of these cases turn out to be myopia, which could have been detected much earlier. Often, parents notice signs only when their child starts sitting too close to the television, holds books too near, or complains about not being able to see the board at school. We have observed a steady rise in such cases every month, particularly after extended school holidays or exam seasons, when screen exposure tends to peak.”
One of the key concerns is that myopia often develops silently, with children adapting to reduced vision without realizing it. Blurred distance vision, frequent eye rubbing, or sitting too close to screens or difficulty in reading often go unnoticed, which results in delayed diagnosis.
“Early detection and regular vision screenings are necessary to managing myopia effectively and preventing long-term complications such as high myopia, retinal degeneration, or other vision-threatening conditions. It is recommended for children to undergo comprehensive eye exams at least once a year, particularly between the ages of 5 and 15, when the eyes are still developing and more responsive to corrective measures. In around 35-40% cases, the myopia would have progressed to moderate or high levels by the time their parents take them to us for checkup. Early intervention through spectacles, lifestyle changes like increased outdoor activity, and advanced treatment options can help control progression in children at an early stage,” adds Dr. Savitha Arun.
Myopia Awareness Week is observed annually to raise awareness about this growing epidemic. The theme for this year, ‘Screens Down, Eyes Up’, calls for immediate steps to prevent vision loss among the children by managing screen time and encouraging more time outdoors to help prevent and control myopia progression. Hence, awareness among the parents, educators, and pediatricians all play a crucial role in early detection and diagnosis.
