Lifestyle Adjustments and Screen Time vs. Outdoor Time: An Ophthalmologist's Warning on Myopia Risk Due to Modern Living Patterns
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The ever-growing menace of myopia lurks on the horizon, with predictions suggesting that by 2050, an astounding half of the global population might fall victim to this vision issue. This alarming incline is accompanied by an earlier onset, swifter progression, and more intense severity of myopia. distressingly, over 285 million people worldwide are currently vision-impaired, and almost half of that number can be attributed to unattended refractive errors.
Dr. Bindiya Hapani, a celebrated Ophthalmologist at Dr. Agarwals Eye Hospital in Bengaluru, states, "The impending myopia surge is likely being fueled by environmental factors prevalent in urbanized societies, with key culprits being increased near-vision activities and decreased outdoor time. The widespread embrace of digital devices over the past decade has given rise to fresh forms of near-work activities."
As children continue to adopt smart devices at an increasingly younger age and spend extended hours on digital screens, there's a pressing need for a deeper understanding of the connection between digital screen time and myopia.
"The correlation between digital screen time and myopia becomes clearer with each passing day," Dr. Bindiya clarifies. "A study has found that smart device screen time alone is associated with a 26% increase in the chances of myopia, while in tandem with computer usage, the chances increase by a staggering 77%."
It's not unusual for infants as young as two to log up to two hours daily on smart devices.
Dr. Bindiya remarks, "Studies have shown that the threat of myopia development intensifies when children spend more than four hours per week on computers and video games, as opposed to no screen time – the associated risk is a whopping eight times higher."
The beneficial impact of outdoor activities in countering myopia cannot be overstated.
Dr. Bindiya explains, "Research indicates that spending adequate time outdoors (more than two hours daily) reduces the risk of myopia. Outdoor activities may play an essential role in preventing the onset and slowing the progression of myopia."
Myopia's ramifications transcend the financial realm and reach deep into the quality of life and individual growth.
Dr. Bindiya delves deeper, "Myopia is closely linked to dangerous eye conditions such as macular degeneration, cataract, retinal detachment, and glaucoma."
Moreover, Myopia Mosaic Descent (MMD) is the most common cause of visual impairment in patients with myopia, as 10% of those with pathological myopia develop MMD due to choroidal neovascularization, which is present in 30% of cases bilaterally. Myopia has also been linked to an increased risk of glaucoma, cataract, and retinal detachment.
Dr. Bindiya elucidates, "Epidemiological evidence suggests that high myopia acts as a risk factor for the development and progression of glaucomatous optic neuropathy. The risk of developing glaucoma is around 50% higher (or 1.5 times as high) in individuals with moderate to high myopia compared to those with low myopia."
The danger of retinal detachment is five to six times higher in individuals with high myopia compared to those with low myopia.
Dr. Bindiya notes, "Cataract surgery rates are higher among individuals with high myopia. Based on the available evidence, they are 17% more likely than those with moderate myopia to require cataract surgery."
- To mitigate the risk of myopia, it's crucial to promote outdoor activities as part of a balanced approach to health and wellness.
- The connection between digital screen time and medical-conditions like myopia is a significant area of study in the field of science.
- Beyond the eyes, myopia has been linked to other health issues such as mental-health disorders, skin-conditions, and nutrition-related concerns, given its impact on overall health and well-being.
- In the realm of fitness and exercise, maintaining a healthy lifestyle can also help manage and prevent the onset of myopia, thanks to its myriad benefits on eye-health and general wellness.
