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As Irish children are spending more and more time indoors, glued to screens, Specsavers Donegal is launching a new campaign to drive awareness of the growing issue of childhood myopia, or short-sightedness.
The campaign urges parents to take early action, with experts warning that too much screen time and too little natural daylight are key risk factors in the development of myopia, a condition rising globally.
Myopia is a refractive error that causes distant objects to appear blurry while close objects remain clear. Globally, the prevalence of myopia is increasing, and childhood myopia is becoming a significant public health concern.
While concerns are growing about the potential impact of screen time on children’s health, the specific effects on eye health may not be widely understood. There is a general awareness that excessive screen time could be detrimental to children’s eyesight, but knowledge of specific warning signs, such as squinting, headaches, or sitting too close to screens, may be limited.
“Children’s eyes are still developing, which makes them particularly vulnerable to the effects of extended screen use,” explains Chairman of Specsavers Ireland, Kerril Hickey.
“The good news is that early action really can make a difference. Regular eye tests are vital in spotting the signs of myopia early and can help slow its progression.”
“While passive screen time dominates children’s indoor habits, with TV, gaming and scrolling topping the list, more traditional activities are in decline, like playing with physical toys and reading books regularly.”
Importantly, spending more time outside has been shown to support healthy eye development, yet many children are not getting enough daylight as part of their daily routine.
Symptoms such as headaches and eye rubbing have been observed in children who spend significant time using screens. Other signs that may be associated with excessive screen time include eye strain, sore eyes, and difficulty seeing the board at school.
“Our optometrists see first-hand the impact prolonged screen use is having on children’s eye health,” Kerril Hickey warns. “We’re encouraging parents to look out for early signs of myopia and to prioritise time outdoors, which has been shown to help protect children’s vision.”
“We want to empower families with knowledge and encourage them to take that first step by booking a free eye test, available for children under 12 in Ireland,” adds Kerril Hickey. “One key tip to remember is the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, encourage your child to look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. With myopia cases rising, early diagnosis has never been more important.”
Childhood myopia is a growing concern in today’s digital world. By understanding the risk factors associated with its development, recognising the early signs and symptoms, and implementing preventative measures, parents, educators, and healthcare professionals can work together to protect children’s vision and promote healthy eye development.
To learn more about myopia and book an appointment at Specsavers Donegal branches, visit https://www.specsavers.ie/eye-health/myopia.
To book an eye test, call the Letterkenny store on 074 9167040, or visit www.specsavers.ie/stores/letterkenny-hearing
Call Specsavers in Donegal Town at (074) 974 2686 or book online https://www.specsavers.ie/stores/donegaltown
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