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Is MCO causing an epidemic of short-sightedness among children?

Is MCO causing an epidemic of short-sightedness among children?

  

 

 

The COVID-19 has caused a shift in our daily lives, especially for our children. With the stay at home orders and online classes, they have been kept at home, spending more time on their digital devices.
 
Studies have indicated that prolonged screen time and lack of outdoor play are linked to an epidemic of myopia (short-sightedness) among children.
 
Dr Adeline Sia, our Consultant Ophthalmologist explains more the cause of myopia, the prevalence of it here in South East countries and ways to reduce this condition.
 
Since environmental factor is the only modifiable risk for myopia, in order to reduce the progression of myopia, here are some advices as given by Dr Adeline;
💡 Limit near work activity as much as possible
💡 Frequent eye breaks (20-20-20 rule)
💡 Install good lighting at your reading place
💡 Practice good posture
💡 Hold near work at an appropriate distance
💡 Play outdoors
💡 Maintain a balance diet that contains antioxidant-rich food/supplements such as 
Optixanthin