Seeing clearly: how our screen-obsessed lives are fueling the myopia epidemic in children
The message is clear: small changes in daily habits can lead to big improvements in eye health.
Image: Pavel Danilyuk /pexels
In recent years, myopia, commonly known as short-sightedness, has become a growing global concern.
This condition, which affects a person's ability to see distant objects clearly, is now considered an epidemic that is expected to impact nearly half of the world's population by 2050.
The rise in myopia cases is closely tied to modern lifestyles, particularly the increased use of screens, reduced outdoor activities, and urbanised living.
In South Africa, while statistics on myopia are limited, anecdotal evidence suggests the trend mirrors what's happening globally. Understanding the causes, risks, and solutions is vital for parents, educators, and healthcare providers to address this growing issue.
Why is myopia on the rise?
According to global studies, myopia currently affects between 25% and 33% of the world's population. The World Health Organisation (WHO) predicts this could rise to 50% by 2050. Lifestyle changes, particularly in urban environments, play a significant role.
Excessive screen time and near-work activities
Children today are spending more time on tasks that require close focus, such as reading, gaming, and using smartphones or tablets. These activities often take place indoors, away from natural light, which is essential for eye health.
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Advertisement
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Next
Stay
Close ✕
Teach children to maintain a safe distance from screens and books while using proper lighting.
Image: Kampus Production /pexels
Lack of outdoor time
Research shows that spending more than 14 hours a week outdoors reduces the risk of developing myopia by about 30%.
However, many children in South Africa, particularly in urban areas, spend the majority of their time indoors, whether at school, doing homework, or engaging with screens.
Genetics and family history
Dr Ed Anderson, president of the South African Society for Cataract and Refractive Surgery (SASCRS), explains that myopia is often hereditary. 'If one or both parents are short-sighted, the likelihood of their children developing myopia is significantly higher.'
The impact of myopia on children
Myopia often develops during childhood and can worsen until a person's early 20s. For school-aged children, poor vision can have a profound impact on their education, social development, and overall quality of life.
Dr Helga Abrahamse-Pillay, president of the South African Society for Paediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus (SASPOS), highlights how myopia can hinder a child's ability to learn.
'A child struggling to see the board, follow sports activities, or recognise distant objects may face challenges not only in their academic performance but also in their behavioural and social interactions.'
Eye tests, performed by optometrists or ophthalmologists, can determine the extent of the condition and recommend appropriate corrective measures.
Image: Pavel Danilyuk/pexels
Parents and teachers in South Africa are encouraged to be vigilant for signs of myopia, which may include: Holding books or devices very close to the face.
Sitting too close to the television.
Squinting or straining to see distant objects.
Rubbing the eyes frequently.
Disinterest in schoolwork, often mistaken for behavioural issues.
Diagnosing and managing myopia
Early detection is key to managing myopia effectively.
Eye tests, performed by optometrists or ophthalmologists, can determine the extent of the condition and recommend appropriate corrective measures.
Common treatments for myopia
Spectacles: Glasses remain the most common and effective way to correct myopia in both children and adults.
Contact lenses: For older children and adults, contact lenses may be a more practical option, particularly for those with active lifestyles.
Lifestyle changes: Encouraging children to spend more time outdoors and limiting screen time can help slow the progression of myopia.
Advanced treatments some cases, treatments such as orthokeratology (specialised contact lenses worn overnight to reshape the cornea) or low-dose atropine eye drops may be recommended.
During Myopia Awareness Week, from May 23 to 29, the Ophthalmological Society of South Africa (OSSA), in collaboration with SASPOS and SASCRS, is working to shine a spotlight on this issue. The campaign aims to educate South Africans about the risks of myopia and the importance of early intervention.
Anderson stresses the importance of routine eye exams, 'Even if your child shows no obvious symptoms, regular eye check-ups are crucial. Early diagnosis can prevent further deterioration and allow for effective treatment.'
What can parents and educators do?
As the prevalence of myopia grows, proactive steps are essential to protect children's vision: Encourage outdoor play: Aim for at least two hours of outdoor activity daily to reduce the risk of myopia.
Limit screen time: Set boundaries for screen use, including regular breaks during homework or gaming.
Schedule routine eye tests: Ensure children visit an optometrist annually, especially if there is a family history of myopia.
Promote healthy habits: Teach children to maintain a safe distance from screens and books while using proper lighting. While the myopia epidemic is a global challenge, it is deeply rooted in lifestyle factors that can be addressed.
The message is clear: small changes in daily habits can lead to big improvements in eye health. Myopia may be on the rise, but with awareness and action, it is a challenge that can be managed effectively.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
IOL News
2 days ago
- IOL News
Western Cape Blood Service reviews race-related questions on donor forms
The Western Cape Blood Service is reviewing the blood donor questionnaire and plans to add an 'other' option, and we are considering a 'prefer not to say' option after concerns were raised by the group People Against Race Classification calling for the blocks to be scrapped. Image: Independent Newspapers photographers The Western Cape Blood Service (WCBS) is reviewing its donor questionnaire following pressure from People Against Race Classification (Parc) to change the requirement to state your race when donating blood. The service said they now plan to add an 'other' option, and is considering a 'prefer not to say' option. Parc had flagged their concerns with the WCBS through several letters, saying they took offence that the questionnaire to be completed by those who want to donate blood asked for racial information. 'I have been a blood donor in this country for many years. I am not a Coloured, Black, Indian or White person. Why don't you also add an option for a person not to complete his race data? Or why not add more ethnic identities like, Khoi-San, Zulu, Afrikaner, Pedi, etc. 'The arguments regarding the need for this data is commonly known but not accepted. The WCBS as part of the science and medical fraternity, has no obligation to report on which blood was donated by which race. The necessity to know a person's race has no medical implication on what patient could use whose blood. You have no legal leg to support this practice. The Population Registration Repeal Act of 1991 has repealed all uses of race criteria,' Parc founder Glen Snyman wrote. On March 13, Parc's action team visited the Western Cape Blood donation Service's Head Quarters in Cape Town where they held a demonstration with placards in hand calling for the race blocks on the donation forms to be removed. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Initially the organisation in a letter responding to Snyman's concerns on March 27, outlined the reasons why it collected the data and also noted that the matter was discussed at a board meeting and would be brought up again following consultation with an expert. On June 2, WCBS CEO, Greg Bellairs wrote another letter, stating that the board had explored whether there may be any ethical issues around asking the race of blood donors and had engaged with a 'respected bio-ethicist'. 'We have also fully considered your position, and decided the following: when next we revise the blood donor questionnaire's options regarding race, we will add a block called 'other', and we are considering adding another block called 'prefer/choose not to say'. We will add further information about why we ask for the race of blood donors, on the blood donor questionnaire, on the Service's Privacy Statement (which all blood donors sign), and on WCBS's website,' said Bellairs. On March 13, Parc's action team visited the Western Cape Blood donation Service's Head Quarters in Cape Town where they held a demonstration with placards in hand calling for the race blocks on the donation forms to be removed. Image: Supplied Approached for comment on Thursday, WCBS spokesperson Marike Carli said the organisation did collect race data but was open to continuous engagements. 'Race data is still collected. However, we are reviewing the blood donor questionnaire and plan to add an 'other' option, and we are considering a 'prefer not to say' option as well. Blood donors who wish to not disclose their race may freely donate blood. We do not discriminate based on race or gender. We welcome constructive dialogue and remain open to continuous engagements and improvements. 'Every decision we make, including the information we request from blood donors, is… grounded in both medical science and ethical responsibility. We ask blood donors to self-identify their race so that we can select donations for extended testing for additional blood group systems (other than the ABO and Rh systems). This enables us to provide blood-group compatible blood products to multi-transfused patients such as those with thalassaemia, and sickle cell disease – as well as to identify donations of rare blood types, which are reserved in a national repository for patients with rare blood types,' said Carli. Snyman said this was still not enough. 'This is a small 'victory' for PARC. The WC Blood Service agreed to amend their blood donation questionnaire form by adding to the race options the 'other' box, and also an option for people to 'not disclose their race'. However, we will continue our fight to have all the race blocks removed from all forms,' he said. Stellenbosch University, Emeritus Professor in Health Systems and Public Health, Usuf Chikte said there is no 'credible genetic or biological foundation for these categories'. 'Racial classification, particularly in South Africa, is a social and political construct, not a scientific one. It emerged from a brutal system of segregation and inequality, not from any meaningful understanding of human biology. To continue relying on these categories in medicine, especially in something as sensitive and vital as blood donation, is to perpetuate a deeply harmful legacy devoid of any scientific basis. 'Proponents argue that such data may help match rare blood types. But even where this is medically relevant, ancestry-based screening, not racial identity, is the appropriate approach. 'Race' is simply too crude, inaccurate, and politically loaded to serve as a stand-in for complex biological or genetic markers. More importantly, the use of race on medical forms undermines patient trust. Most people filling out these forms have no idea why the information is being collected or how it will be used. In a country still grappling with the trauma of institutionalised racism, this is not a trivial issue. Medical institutions must be held to the highest standards of ethical transparency and scientific validity.'
Mail & Guardian
2 days ago
- Mail & Guardian
Close the global healthcare gap: Solutions for a more equitable future
Newborn children in sub-Saharan Africa are 14 times more likely to die within the first month than those in high-income regions such as Australia and New Zealand. Despite decades of advancements, healthcare disparities remain a pressing global concern. Established markets benefit from sophisticated health systems, yet billions of people in low- and middle-income countries still lack access to basic medical services and medical advancements. This inequality can be found in various areas, including access to medication and general healthcare. Considered action must be taken by both public and private agencies to bridge this chasm and create sustainable, equitable healthcare systems that serve patients as effectively in emerging markets as they do in more established parts of the world. In emerging markets, however, infectious diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis (TB) and HIV/Aids continue to be of the utmost concern and child mortality rates vary significantly between emerging and established countries. According to the World Health Organisation, the global under-five mortality rate dropped by 59% from 1990 to 2023, but the disparities remain. Newborn children in sub-Saharan Africa are 14 times more likely to die within the first month than those in high-income regions such as Australia and New Zealand. Treatable diseases in emerging markets continue to claim higher mortality rates than should be expected, because of financial barriers, supply shortages and limited access to trained professionals, resulting from geographical and cost factors. About half the world's population lacks essential health services, leaving billions of people vulnerable to preventable conditions. The World Health Organisation has predicted that, by 2035, there will be a shortage of 12.9 million health workers and this paucity could be most pronounced in lower-income countries because more attractive pay levels will attract medical personnel to higher-income countries. These countries would also be better placed to produce such graduates. Aid organisations based in high-income countries are, however, making great strides in assisting emerging markets, by providing essential supplies, funding and expertise, to facilitate greater access to medication, and fortify the health infrastructure of these regions. The Global Fund to Fight Aids, Tuberculosis and Malaria has, for example, has saved over 65 million lives since its inception in 2002, by achieving a 61% reduction in combined death rates from these diseases. In 2023 alone, the fund supported 25 million people by providing antiretroviral therapy for HIV. They also enabled treatment for 7.1 million TB patients and distributed 227 million mosquito nets, in their quest to reduce malaria infections. Facilities in lower-income countries are fewer in number, poorly equipped and are not likely to exist in rural areas with lower population density. This leaves many patients having to travel long distances for treatment. In contrast, people in high-income countries are closer to hospitals, which are also better equipped. It's noteworthy that higher-income countries invest up to 60 times more per capita in healthcare than lower-income countries do. These financial constraints often force individuals in emerging markets to pay for their care out of their own pockets, which can lead to economic hardship and perpetuate cycles of poverty. Expanding universal health coverage is therefore vital. Countries such as Thailand have successfully implemented universal health coverage policies and these have dramatically reduced financial burdens while improving public health outcomes. Effective governance is critical to strengthening healthcare systems. Of the $7.5 trillion spent globally on health each year, it has been estimated that $500 billion is lost to corruption. In fact, the amount of healthcare funds stolen each year is more than enough to achieve health coverage for all. Tackling these issues through transparency and stronger policy frameworks, including stringent auditing, will significantly improve medical service delivery. Innovative technology-driven solutions also offer us a promising avenue to narrow disparities. Telemedicine has revolutionised healthcare in underserved regions, allowing remote consultation and diagnosis, particularly in areas where medical professionals are scarce. And mobile health (or 'mHealth'), which uses smartphones, has enabled community health workers to track immunisations, disseminate health information and report and track outbreaks. Portable, lower-cost diagnostics have proven to be a further gamechanger. Rapid diagnostic testing devices allow for the immediate diagnosis and treatment of malaria, HIV and TB, although desirable market penetration has yet to be achieved. And then there's artificial intelligence, which is making its presence felt in all fields of human endeavour. AI-powered health-management information systems have different functions — operational, informational and decision-making — which sometimes conflict, but this reflects real-world conditions, where different sectors have to compete for resources. It does, however, give a clear picture of the 'state of play' of a country's health system, which would allow its government to strengthen its healthcare strategy. There is the caveat, however, that internationally agreed recommendations be put in place to avoid possible innate AI bias. Of course, at the foundation of all such progress is the need for infrastructural development. Expanding health worker education is vital and we need to develop initiatives which focus on task shifting, where lower-cadre workers are trained to handle medical tasks, enhancing healthcare delivery efficiency. Community health workers are proving particularly effective in preventative care, offering localised and accessible health support. To make lasting improvements, public-private partnerships must also be used. Many countries have successfully engaged private firms to manage hospitals, expand telehealth networks and supply medication under government contracts. These partnerships inject essential energy, resources, innovation, efficiency and, importantly, accountability into public health systems. Closing the healthcare gap requires a comprehensive, multi-sector approach — one which, fortunately, is already underway. Government investment in universal health coverage, healthcare infrastructure, trained professionals and technological advancements is essential. With the right strategies and private-public commitment, a future where healthcare is accessible and equitable for all can become a reality. All interested parties must, however, exert and maintain the pressure and interest that's required to move all involved bureaucracies forward. Our plan for some imagined tomorrow needs to be replaced by viable action for a literal tomorrow. Asgar Rangoonwala is the senior vice-president of Johnson & Johnson EMEA emerging markets.
IOL News
3 days ago
- IOL News
Is your loofah harming your skin? Here's what you need to know
Your loofah could be doing more harm than good. Image: Freepik For many people, the loofah has become a go-to shower accessory. Because of their rough texture and ability to lather soap make them a popular choice for exfoliating and cleansing the skin. However, despite how popular they are, loofahs are in fact doing more harm than good. Many dermatologists now advise against using loofahs for daily hygiene due to health and skin concerns. "Loofahs are interesting. They're used in a wet environment, and you hang them up in the shower, which is also a wet environment. They don't ever totally dry out, so the loofah is a beautiful breeding ground for bacteria," says dermatologist Dr. Melissa Piliang. Here's a breakdown of why using a loofah might be a bad idea. Using a loofah could be bad for your skin. Image: Freepik Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ They harbour bacteria and mould After a single use, a loofah can trap dead skin cells, body oils, dirt, and soap residue in its sponge-like structure. When it sits in a warm, humid shower environment without drying completely, it becomes a perfect breeding ground for bacteria, mould, and mildew. Over time, harmful microbes such as Staphylococcus, Pseudomonas, and even E. coli can grow in the loofah. When you continue to use it, especially on freshly shaved or irritated skin, you risk spreading these bacteria back onto your body, which can lead to infections, rashes, or clogged pores. They can damage your skin Loofahs are designed to exfoliate, but their abrasive texture can be too harsh, especially for people with sensitive or dry skin. Over-scrubbing can lead to tiny tears in the skin's surface, known as microtears. These microtears weaken your skin's natural barrier and make it more vulnerable to irritation, redness, and even infection. If you have skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, or acne, using a loofah may make symptoms worse. They're hard to keep clean It's surprisingly difficult to properly clean and maintain a loofah. Rinsing it with water isn't enough to eliminate bacteria. While you can disinfect loofahs with bleach or boil them, very few people take these extra steps. On top of that, loofahs should be replaced every few weeks, but most people keep them far longer. Without strict hygiene habits, a loofah can quickly become more of a health hazard than a helpful tool. So next time you're tempted to pop a loofah in your shopping trolley and hang it up in your shower, you might want to consider an old-fashioned washcloth instead.
