How CBSE's sugar board initiative can help protect children's vision
As India's childhood obesity rates rise there is a growing health crisis of waning vision.Obesity has gone up by 126% in the last 15 years from 1.5% in 2005-06 to 3.4% in 2019-21, as per the latest National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5).The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) recently asked schools to set up sugar boards. These display boards educate students about the hidden dangers of sugary foods and drinks.advertisement
This is a much-needed step that can also help protect children's eyes, which are at risk due to early-onset diabetes.To truly safeguard their vision, schools must also include regular eye check-ups in their health programs.HOW DIABETES AFFECTS A CHILD'S EYEThere were approximately 95,600 children in India under the age of 14 with type 1 diabetes in 2022, according to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).Millions of youngsters in India have type 1 diabetes, which leads to serious vision issues later in life. In this context, the latest CBSE directions for all its schools are a positive step.The effort aims to teach children how to make informed nutritional choices and promote long-term health advantages.Excess sugar consumption has been linked to paediatric obesity and the early onset of type 2 diabetes. High sugar levels can also cause inflammation and oxidative stress, both of which can harm retinal blood vessels and worsen eye damage.
Millions of youngsters in India have type 1 diabetes, which leads to serious vision issues later in life. (Photo: Generative AI/India Today)
advertisementIn children with diabetes, high blood sugar levels over time can lead to diabetic retinopathy, which is a condition that damages the blood vessels in the retina. This can further progress to more severe problems such as diabetic macular oedema (DME) where, fluid builds up in the central part of the retina, affecting vision.According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), children with higher body mass index (BMI) levels are more likely to develop high myopia as compared to children with normal BMI levels.Studies show that obesity may be associated with changes in insulin resistance and the production of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), which can lead to increased axial length of the eye, a key factor in myopia. In India, nearly 80 lakh children under the age of 15 suffer from common visual problems such as nearsightedness and far-sightedness. While initiatives like sugar boards are raising awareness about the impact of excessive sugar intake, what is truly needed is to require regular eye exams in all Indian schools to detect and address vision problems early on.REGULAR EYE EXAMS ARE NECESSARYIn addition to ensuring proper diabetes care, schools must schedule routine eye exams for children. For timely intervention and treatment, free eye check-up camps should be organised every six months to detect vision problems early. Schools should also educate students about the harmful effects of excessive screen time on their health.advertisementIn India, one of the major concerns among children is the rising incidence of myopia. According to the Association of Community Ophthalmologists of India (ACOIN), nearly 23% of Indian school children currently suffer from myopia, and this number could rise to 50% by 2050 if preventive action isn't taken soon.In 2024 alone, more than 2,000 kids received myopia treatment at the Surya Eye Institute.
In India, nearly 80 lakh children under the age of 15 suffer from common visual problems such as nearsightedness and far-sightedness. ()
After Covid, when children were glued to their mobiles and tablets for online classes, the number of myopic cases has been gradually increasing.Making minor lifestyle adjustments, including wearing glasses if necessary, playing outside for at least an hour each day, and adopting healthy routines, can significantly enhance children's vision and cut down on screen usage.advertisementTo truly protect children's vision, action must follow awareness campaigns. While CBSE's sugar board initiative is timely and laudable, it should be integrated into a comprehensive school health policy that includes regular eye exams and screen time education.In addition, parents must also encourage their kids to follow a healthy and nutritious diet, engage in more outdoor play and activities, and emphasise the importance of eye care in their daily lives.
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