AGOS Summit Highlights Alarming Rise in Childhood Myopia in Gujarat
Ophthalmologists convened at the All Gujarat Ophthalmological Society (AGOS) summit in Ahmedabad have issued a stark warning about the escalating burden of myopia, or nearsightedness, among children and adolescents across the state. The two-day summit, which commenced on Saturday, pinpointed a dual threat driving this concerning trend: rampant digital device usage coupled with a significant decline in outdoor activities.
Post-Pandemic Surge in Pediatric Myopia Cases
Dr. Jagdish Rana, Secretary of AGOS, revealed that urban areas of Gujarat have witnessed a notable uptick in pediatric patients presenting with myopia following the Covid-19 period. "We observed a 20% rise in such cases compared to the pre-Covid era," Dr. Rana stated. He elaborated that while prolonged exposure to digital screens is a well-documented contributor, the issue is compounded by a lack of far-distance visual training. "The eyes are now not accustomed to focusing on distant objects for extended periods. It is imperative for parents to ensure their children engage in regular outdoor activities to counteract this," he emphasized.
Understanding Myopia and Its Implications
Myopia is a common refractive error where close objects appear clear, but distant objects become blurry. This occurs because light focuses in front of the retina, often due to an elongated eyeball or an excessively curved cornea. If left unaddressed, myopia can progressively worsen and elevate risks in daily activities such as driving.
Common symptoms to watch for include:
- Blurred vision when looking at distant objects like road signs, television screens, or classroom boards.
- Persistent eye strain and frequent headaches.
- Excessive eye rubbing in children.
- Children holding books unusually close or sitting very near to the television.
Focus on Prevention and Treatment Strategies
The AGOS conference is dedicated to exploring comprehensive preventive measures, innovative solutions, and advanced treatment options to tackle this rapidly growing public health issue among the younger population. The collective aim is to curb the progression of myopia through heightened awareness and proactive interventions.
