Uzm. Prof. Dr. Hülya Deveci pointed out that the use of digital devices such as phones, tablets and computers significantly increases the incidence of myopia (nearsightedness). Reminding that myopia negatively affects school success, Specialist. Dr. Deveci said, “Parents can protect their children from myopia by taking precautions against the use of devices such as phones and tablets. The rate of progression of myopia can be slowed down with glasses.” Deveci shared 5 important rules to protect children from myopia.
Acıbadem Kent Hospital Ophthalmology Specialist Dr. Hülya Deveci reminded that the use of digital devices such as phones, tablets and computers has decreased to very young ages, tablets have become indispensable educational tools with the pandemic, and the increase in the duration of use of these devices and their transformation into addiction is one of the factors that negatively affect eye health.
Incidence of myopia is increasing
Stating that the number of people with myopia complaints, which was 2.6 billion worldwide in 2020, is expected to increase to 4.9 billion in 2050 unless preventive measures are taken, Uzm. Dr. Deveci said the following: “Myopia is a refractive error characterized by difficulty in seeing far away, squinting and generally longer than normal anterior posterior axis of the eye. The incidence of myopia has increased in Europe, of which Turkey is a part, in recent years and has reached 45-50 percent in the 25-29 age group. There are also reports that the pandemic has caused an increase in visual health complaints during the quarantine period, which health experts call 'quarantine myopia'. For example, a small retrospective study of children with myopia in Turkey showed that in 2020, the myopia of home-schooled participants progressed almost 50 percent faster than those who spent 2 hours a day outdoors. Digital devices, which are also used as an educational tool, have now become an indispensable play tool for children. Many parents complain that they cannot get their children off the computer and that they cannot put down their cell phones. The effect of this situation, which has become addictive in many children and young people, on eye health is myopia. It is also a fact that myopia affects school success, so it is essential to take precautions.”
Signs that a child may have myopia
Stating that sitting close to the TV, complaining of headaches or tired eyes, and regularly rubbing the eyes should be considered as signs that the child may have myopia, Specialist Dr. Hüly Deveci said. Prof. Dr. Hülya Deveci said, “If these symptoms were overlooked before, situations such as the desire to sit closer to the board at school, not being able to see what is on the board when they are far away, squinting, may be signs of myopia.” Deveci listed the recommendations for protecting children from myopia as follows: The best way to protect children from myopia is to limit close work and the use of phones and tablets. It is necessary to take rest breaks while working (20-20-20 rule). This rule is to look 20 feet:6 meters away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes. Room lighting should be increased and dim light should be avoided. Children should be kept away from the diet we call fast food. Because carbohydrate-based nutrition is one of the factors responsible for the development of myopia. Children should be encouraged to spend time outdoors in daylight.
Progression of myopia can be slowed down with glasses
On the other hand, Uzm. Dr. Deveci stated that parents are seriously concerned about the progression of their child's myopia degrees, but there are lenses that slow down the rate of myopia progression: “These lenses are produced with a different technology compared to normal myopic lenses and provide vision away from the center and through different foci in close-up. Thanks to its special design, it has been observed that it slows down or stops the increase in the number of glasses in children with myopia. Recent studies have shown that the rate of myopia increase can be slowed by 60-65 percent with these lenses. It is predicted that the use of these lenses that slow down the rate of myopia will significantly slow down the rate of myopia increase, especially until the age of 18. It is very important that these lenses are recommended and prescribed by ophthalmologists after a detailed eye examination. ”
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