Watch out! Screens and the growing risk of myopia in children

Watch out! Every hour in front of the screen increases the risk of myopia in children. A study with 335,000 people reveals the impact of phones, tablets, and PCs....

1. The dilemma of screens: Friends or enemies of our eyes?
2. The silent epidemic of myopia
3. Solution? Go play outside!
4. A less blurry future

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The dilemma of screens: Friends or enemies of our eyes?

Ah, myopia, that old acquaintance that seems to have found its perfect ally in our beloved digital devices. No joke. With every minute we spend glued to the screen of our cell phones, tablets, or computers, the risk of seeing the world blurry from afar grows. And no, this is not an exaggeration.

A study that analyzed the results of 335,000 people in South Korea and was recently published by JAMA Open Network has given us a chilling glimpse into the future of our vision. Spoiler: it doesn't look good. It turns out that just one hour a day in front of a screen significantly increases the likelihood of developing myopia. And for each additional hour, the risk rises by 21%. Grab those glasses now!

The silent epidemic of myopia

Myopia, that disorder that makes you see your dog as a polar bear from afar, could affect 50% of the world's population by 2050. Yes, you read that right, half of the planet! The blame lies with our beloved screens and the lack of natural light. When was the last time you went out to enjoy the sun? Exactly, you can't even remember.

Dr. Germán Bianchi, an eye expert who deserves applause just for his patience with these devices, warns that prolonged near-vision activities without breaks are a direct ticket to myopia. The prescription he offers us is simple: the 20-20-20 rule. Look at something over 6 meters away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes. It's that simple. Does that seem like too much to ask?

Solution? Go play outside!

The solution to this visual epidemic is at our fingertips, or rather, at our feet. Going outdoors for at least two hours a day and letting the sun work its magic on our eyes. Natural light regulates eye growth and decreases the risk of myopia. Additionally, being outdoors has the added benefit of improving our overall health. Who's up for a picnic?

For the younger ones, especially, limiting screen time is crucial. And this is where parents come to the rescue. The recommendation is clear: no screens for children under two years old. Yes, I know it's a challenge, but your children's visual health will thank you for it.

A less blurry future

The message is clear. If we want to prevent myopia from becoming a visual pandemic, we need to take action now. Schools and homes must implement prevention measures. How about prioritizing well-lit environments and applying the 20-20-20 rule both at home and in school? Let's not forget about regular eye exams: your eyes will thank you.

In summary, as we continue to advance in this digital age, let's not forget to take care of our vision. At the end of the day, seeing clearly will always be a superpower worth preserving. Let's take care of those eyes!

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