Myopia is becoming a growing health concern for parents, and strategies to mitigate its prevalence were discussed between national and international delegates at the 1st International Optometry and Vision Science Conference OPTO EXCELLENCE 2023, held in Delhi, organised by Dr. Shroff’s Charity Eye Hospital
Dr. Shroff’s Charity Eye Hospital (SCEH) has reported a 26 per cent increase in myopia cases, primarily affecting children from urban areas. Myopia is becoming a growing health concern for parents, and strategies to mitigate its prevalence were discussed between national and international delegates at the 1st International Optometry and Vision Science Conference OPTO EXCELLENCE 2023, held in Delhi, organised by Dr. Shroff’s Charity Eye Hospital.
The leading cause of myopia among children is increased near work and reduced outdoor time. The condition impairs their ability to read, affecting their academics. It also makes it difficult for children to stay engaged in social situations, which results in low self-esteem. In addition to this, myopia can cause significant eye strain and severe headaches, which reduce the child’s overall quality of life.
Highlighting this, Dr Neha Kapur, In Charge, Optometry Department, Dr. Shroff’s Charity Eye Hospital, New Delhi, said, “It has become necessary to ensure the early detection of myopia. If caught early refractive correction can be provided. There are therapeutic modalities available now to reduce the progression of myopia. Likewise, was also highlighted at OPTO EXCELLENCE 2023 by Prof. Padmaja Sankaridurg, Head of global myopia program at Zeiss stating that myopia is likely to increase about 50 per cent by 2050. On average, we treated 9130 cases of myopia patients in last 2 years. The numbers are steadily increasing, and we urge parents to prioritise their child’s eye health and get regular screening done from time to time.”
Dr Umang Mathur, CEO, Dr. Shroff’s Charity Eye Hospital, Daryaganj, said, “Myopia is an emerging problem, and children need to go for regular eye screening. It is imperative to do so, as most eye conditions are preventable and treatable. Limiting screen time is a must. We need to encourage children to spend more time outdoors as it stimulates the whole field of vision more evenly, with all objects being further away compared to the indoor environment.”
“As a hospital dedicated to addressing the socio-economic barriers associated with eye care, we will continue to organise educational conferences, such as Opto Excellence, where young practitioners, clinicians, and researchers meet and interact with the eminent international and national speakers to refresh their knowledge from the front runners in the field of optometry,” he added.
- Advertisement -