The Economics of Eye Care
The Myopia Epidemic in Children
Why short-sightedness is rising among children in India and worldwide, linked to screen time and less outdoor play, and its long-term costs.
Myopia (short-sightedness) is rising.
Trend
More children need glasses for distance vision, especially in cities.
Causes
- More near work: screens and studying.
- Less outdoor time; daylight appears protective.
COVID
Online schooling during COVID-19 increased screen time and myopia.
East Asia
In China and South Korea, a very large majority of young people in cities are myopic.
Costs
- Lifelong glasses costs.
- High myopia raises risks of serious eye disease later.
Prevention
- More outdoor play.
- Screen breaks.
- School eye screening.
The outdoor break
A school adds daily outdoor play to reduce children's risk of myopia.
Thinking myopia is only genetic
Lifestyle matters.
Key takeaways
- Myopia is rising in children.
- Near work and less outdoor time drive it.
- COVID increased screen time.
- Outdoor play helps prevent it.
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