Screen Exposure Weakening Near Vision

Claim: By 2050, 40% of Children May Develop Myopia
Prolonged exposure to mobile, television, and digital screens is significantly increasing the risk of myopia (nearsightedness) among children and teenagers. Experts suggest that each additional hour of screen time raises the risk of vision problems by 21%. By 2050, nearly 40% of children worldwide could be affected by myopia if screen usage continues at its current rate.
Studies indicate that young children should not be exposed to screens for more than two hours a day. Research from Korea has revealed that excessive exposure to artificial screen light significantly increases myopia risk.

Experts Recommend Limiting Small Digital Devices
Health specialists advise that children should spend more time outdoors to reduce the chances of developing myopia. Natural daylight plays a crucial role in eye health and may help counteract the negative effects of screen exposure.

Key Statistics on Myopia Growth
•    21% increase in the risk of vision loss with each additional hour of screen time.
•    3.35 lakh participants included in the global study.
Rise of Myopia in India
Year    Prevalence of Myopia (%)
2019    21.15%
2030    31.89%
2040    40.01%
2050    48.14%
•    By 2050, nearly half (48.14%) of urban children aged 5 to 15 in India could suffer from myopia.
•    Countries such as India, China, Singapore, and Japan are experiencing a rapid rise in myopia cases.

The Growing Concern
While myopia was once considered a minor concern, it is now becoming a major public health issue worldwide. Experts warn that uncontrolled screen time in children could lead to severe long-term vision problems.
Governments and medical organizations emphasize the need for awareness campaigns to educate parents and children on healthy screen habits and the importance of outdoor activities to protect eye health in the coming decades.