Bangalore, 18th July-
Myopia is emerging as a global pandemic, predicted to affect 50 percent of the
world’s population by 2050. Currently, myopia affects one in every four children, and this condition
does not reverse and may even worsen with age. High myopia can increase the risk of vision-
threatening conditions such as cataract, retinal detachment, maculopathy, and glaucoma.
The risk factors for myopia in children include genetics, predominantly near activities, reduced
outdoor play, excessive screen time, and nutritional deficiency. Children with myopia often shy away
from sports, and blurred vision due to myopia can reduce concentration in class. If myopia is
unidentified, it can lead to poor academic performance and have psychological effects such as lack of
confidence or avoidance of socializing. Therefore, teachers and parents play a crucial role in
identifying the early signs of myopia and taking proactive steps to curb it.
“If you look at the class photographs of children these days, you will find almost all the children
wearing glasses. This is alarming. It is important to understand that glasses are a handicap, not a cure
for myopia. Education about its prevention is the cure. Studies have shown that compulsory exposure
to outdoors and sunlight for 2 hours per day has a significant impact on reducing the risk of myopia.
We urge governments to create a policy for mandatory screening of children at schools, provision of
glasses for children, and educating/training teachers to identify the early signs of myopia for proper
treatment, to create a world free from glasses.” – Dr Rohit Shetty, Chairman, Narayana Nethralaya.
Narayana Nethralaya is at the forefront of fighting myopia with a state-of-the-art myopia clinic,
cutting-edge research, and myopia control strategies. We urge all schools and families to encourage
outdoor play for children so they are exposed to Vitamin D, that triggers the release of dopamine that
helps regulate eye growth and counteracts the effects of near work, ultimately reducing the risk of
myopia development.
“We were the first eye hospital in Karnataka to start the myopia clinic under the visionary leadership
of Dr K Bhujang Shetty. With advanced diagnostics and the Myopia Master, which can predict the
progression of myopia for children by the age of 18, we aim to prevent the progression of myopia.
With digitalization being the new way of life and a necessity these days, it’s very important for
hospitals, schools, parents, and the government to come together to take preventive measures to cope
with this problem.” – Gp Capt S K Mittal VSM, CEO, Narayana Nethralaya.
“10 years back, the number of children in rural schools with myopia were fewer than it is today,
mainly because the use of smartphones has increased among children in rural areas too. The need for
screening and identifying such cases, and the provision of glasses, is crucial.” – Dr Bhanumathi M,
Head of the Department, Paediatric Ophthalmology & Strabismology.
Additionally, we aim to unite families, teachers, doctors, and the community through our initiative,
“Sun, Fun, Fight Myopia on the Run,” to raise awareness about myopia, promote its prevention, and
emphasize the importance of timely action. This is not just a run; it’s a fun-filled event with a Myopia
fun zone that includes activities for the entire family, designed to keep children engaged while also
educating them about myopia and its prevention.
Event Highlights:
• 1.5K Family Run • Magic Show• Face Painting• Bouncy Castle• Fun & Educative Games with Prizes for Kids
• Traditional Folk Performance by Janapada Academy
• Healthy Snacks and Nutritional Advice for Children
Event Details:• Event: Sun, Fun, Fight Myopia on the Runm• Date & Time: Sunday, 28th July 2024, from 7:30 AM to 11:00 AM
• Location: Rajendra Singhji Army Officers Institute, M G Road, Bangalore
“What is important to note is that, genetics plays a role as a risk factor in myopia, but the current
lifestyle is a major cause of its development. If lifestyle changes are initiated among families, such as
increasing outdoor play, reducing screen time to less than 2 hours per day, and most importantly,
adults reducing the usage of digital devices to set a positive influence on the kids, it can make a
significant difference.” – Dr B A Maithri, Consultant, Paediatric Ophthalmology & Strabismology.
