Eye expert warns myopia could affect 50% of the global population by 2050

Bengaluru: Dr. Agarwals Eye Hospital in Whitefield marked World Sight Day by hosting an educational event to promote eye health awareness among children. As part of the global initiative themed "Love Your Eyes," this year's focus centered on improving children’s vision care. The event highlighted the importance of good vision and eye health, emphasizing early detection and preventive measures.

The event welcomed 30 children aged 6 to 14, accompanied by their parents. Through a series of interactive games, presentations, and discussions, children and parents were educated about common vision problems like myopia and simple everyday practices to maintain healthy eyesight. Attendees were also given access to complimentary eye screenings, along with myopia progression analysis for early detection of vision issues, which can significantly impact learning and development.

Dr. Amod Nayak, Head of Clinical Services at Dr. Agarwals Eye Hospital, Whitefield, expressed concern about the growing prevalence of myopia, describing it as a global epidemic. “Myopia currently affects 20-30% of the population, but this is expected to rise to 50% globally by 2050,” he stated. Dr. Nayak emphasized that awareness, early detection, and control measures are crucial to preventing long-term vision issues. “Regular eye check-ups every six months are recommended for children with myopia, with even more frequent monitoring for those with high myopia, to closely track its progression,” he added.

Studies indicate that myopia is becoming increasingly common among Indian children, especially in urban areas like Bengaluru, where factors such as prolonged screen time and reduced outdoor play contribute to its rise. Research suggests that around 4% of schoolchildren in Bengaluru currently have myopia, with the number anticipated to grow in the coming years. This trend underscores the need for preventive measures and timely intervention.

At Dr. Agarwals' specialized Myopia Clinic, advanced diagnostic tools are used to evaluate factors that predict how quickly a child’s myopia may progress. The clinic offers a range of treatments tailored to slow myopia progression, including specially designed lenses, low-dose atropine eye drops, and soon, orthokeratology—a treatment that uses custom-made contact lenses to gently reshape the cornea overnight.

The event's timing aligns with the mission of World Sight Day, observed annually on the second Thursday of October, to raise global awareness of eye health. Dr. Agarwals Eye Hospital remains committed to enhancing community vision care, aiming to inspire future generations to prioritize eye health and prevent avoidable blindness through education, early intervention, and innovative treatment solutions.