Myopic Storm during COVID 19

As an Ophthalmologist I am observing recent rise in Myopia (Nearsightedness).

In children younger then 8 years, I am observing Myopic rise as fast as 2 diopters per year. More & more patients are coming for headache, strain, aesthenopia, tiredness, neck strain and many other similar complaints

Reasons might be

1. on line education

2. students stayed indoors

3. routine checkups were delayed

4. screen time unusually high

My suggestions for parents are

1. ask their children to stop leisure activities like games, movies through screens. Instead take them outside in parks and clubs for physical games

2. On line school works should always be done on widescreens desktops instead of touch screens pads and phones

3. remember the 20-20-20 rule. Take breaks every 20 minutes

4. Monitor children activities very closely

5. Ask school teachers to reduce online tasks. instead written workbooks, question and answer sheets should be developed

6. No screen should be used 2 hour prior to bed time

7. Develop healthy life style in your children