Tuesday, 17 SEPTEMBER 2024 | PNS | DEHRADUN
Sedentary lifestyle has negatively affected the vision of children, the eye specialist here said. It has been noted that over time, more children between the ages of five years and their teens are requiring vision spectacles due to weak eyesight. Considering this, eye specialists emphasised that cases of weak eyesight in young children have been on the rise due to various factors, including an increase of awareness.
Senior eye specialist at the Government Doon Medical College (GDMC) hospital, Dr Sushil Ojha said that he has observed a 50 per cent increase in cases of weak eyesight among children compared to past years. He attributed this rise to a deficiency of vitamin A affecting children’s eye health. Ojha said that he has noted a shift towards a diet lacking in essential nutrients such as iron and various vitamins, with children increasingly consuming fast food. Considering these factors, there has been an increase in cases of weakened eyesight among school-going children, particularly. In order to prevent these health issues related to eyesight among children, it is advised that parents ensure their children consume green leafy vegetables rich in vitamin A and engage in outdoor activities, he said.
Further, another eye specialist Dr Amit Singh said that he acknowledged the rise in cases of impaired eyesight among children over time. However, he pointed out that solely attributing sedentary lifestyles to the decline in eyesight would be inaccurate. The primary cause of this increase seems to be improved awareness among parents regarding eye health. He also noted that sedentary lifestyles among children indirectly contribute to health problems that can have an impact on eyesight instead. Instances of impaired vision have grown increasingly prevalent among children aged five to 10. To mitigate this trend, it is imperative to promote a healthy lifestyle and monitor eye strain levels. He also emphasised that maintaining overall physical health is crucial for preserving children’s optical well-being.
