MYOPIA

Subject : Science & tech

Context : Myopia or shortsightedness is turning out to be an epidemic across India, and indeed even more in Southeast Asia. If this rate continues , by 2050 , 64 million children in Urban India may have Myopia.

Concept :

• Myopia occurs because of the potential role of myopic genes and also local environmental conditions such as the prolonged ‘near work’ and/or less sunlight exposure, and not because of any infection due to harmful germs.
• It will not become a worldwide pandemic, as COVID-19 has. Yet, drastic changes in lifestyle (becoming more indoor-centric) and the timing and levels of sunlight we receive, it is time to take measures to counteract myopia, which may well become a global pandemic.

What is myopia?

• Myopia occurs when the eyeball becomes longer, relative to the focusing power of the cornea and the lens; this leads to focus not on the surface of the retina, but at a point before it.
• This leads you to find it difficult to focus distant objects clearly, though you can see close-up objects such as while reading and using the computer use.

Policy Suggestions :

• Mandatory 60 minutes of recess time in all schools during the school hours every day, by locking the classrooms to keep the students in sunlight, starting from primary level to the high schools.
• Have a structured recess time incorporated into all their curricula. Make it mandatory for schools to have enough space for playgrounds.
• Create public awareness among parents about the importance of proper eyesight and control the use of near-vision devices such as smartphones.
• Recommend/promote community centres in each locality to organise outdoor programmes weekly or at least twice a month.