Screen Overuse Fuels Rising Childhood Myopia

India is witnessing an alarming surge in childhood myopia, a trend closely tied to the growing use of digital devices for education and entertainment.
  
Ophthalmologists warn that excessive screen exposure, coupled with reduced outdoor activity, is creating long-term risks for children’s eye health. 
 
Digital eye strain, disturbed sleep cycles, and even behavioural changes are increasingly being reported in younger age groups.
 
 
The World Health Organization has already flagged myopia as a global public health concern, and India appears to be on the brink of a crisis. 

 
If current patterns persist, nearly 50% of Indian children could suffer from myopia by 2050.
 
The pandemic accelerated this trend, as online learning pushed children into prolonged device usage with little scope for natural light exposure or visual breaks.
 
 
In response, technology manufacturers are introducing TÜV Rheinland-certified low blue light and flicker-free displays across smartphones, tablets, and laptops to mitigate strain.
 
 
However, experts argue that hardware solutions alone are insufficient. 
 
They stress the importance of balanced screen time, regular outdoor activity, and parental monitoring to prevent irreversible damage.
 
 
Unless awareness and preventive strategies are prioritized, India risks facing a myopia epidemic that could strain both healthcare resources and educational outcomes for future generations.