According to a study by Guru Nanak Eye Centre, a dedicated eyecare hospital run by the Delhi government, approximately 20% of school children have developed myopia. This alarming statistic highlights an urgent need for action from all stakeholders, including parents, educators, and healthcare providers, to address this growing concern and implement effective preventative measures.   

The rise in myopia among young children is particularly troubling because many of them are unaware of their condition, leading to further deterioration of their vision over time. The increasing dependency on digital devices for education and entertainment has exacerbated this issue, necessitating a comprehensive approach to mitigate its impact on children's eye health.   

Drug Today Medical Times Correspondent Rohit Shishodia spoke with Prof. (Dr.) Kirti Singh, Director of Guru Nanak Eye Centre, to gain deeper insights into the issue of myopia, its causes, and potential solutions. Prof. Singh's extensive research and expertise shed light on the importance of early detection, the role of parental awareness, and the need for collaborative efforts to curb the rising incidence of myopia among children.

In this conversation, Prof. Singh discusses the findings of the study, the types of corrective measures required, and the initiatives being taken by Guru Nanak Eye Centre to promote better eye health and support children affected by myopia. 

 DTMT: Could you share the findings of the Guru Nanak Eye Centre regarding myopia?   

Prof. Singh: Our study, conducted over the past one and a half years, surveyed 1,000 children and found that 20% of them suffer from myopia. Alarmingly, many of these children are unaware of their condition. At GNEC, we have provided these children with glasses to address their vision problems. However, the issue requires more attention, particularly in educating parents about the importance of their children wearing glasses. To further this goal, we are conducting a study involving parents and school teachers to dispel myths about wearing glasses. We have developed a set of questions that address why, when, and how often glasses should be worn.     

DTMT: What type of glasses do these children need?   

Prof. Singh: Many of these children struggle to see things at a distance, such as reading the blackboard, and some suffer from squint problems. They require prescription glasses to see clearly and address these vision issues effectively.    DTMT: Eye health is crucial, and injuries or redness can impair vision. How can children and the general public maintain good eye health?    Prof. Singh: We need to emphasize the importance of offline classes. Physical interaction between teachers and students is invaluable, especially for children aged 10-12, as their eyes are still developing. Excessive screen time during this period can increase the risk of needing glasses. Additionally, informative videos by schools can be very helpful in educating children about maintaining good eye health, including proper screen usage and timing.   

DTMT: Can you tell us about the providing glasses initiative taken by GNEC?   

Prof. Singh: In this initiative, we are providing glasses to children who cannot attend school because they have been told they are blind. We are collaborating with NGOs to make this possible. Additionally, we are supplying glasses to children suffering from myopia who cannot afford to buy them from the market.   

DTMT: What research initiatives are being undertaken by GNEC?   

Prof. Singh: As a medical college, we are involved in numerous research projects. We have 13 faculty members and 55 residents, each working on a thesis. Our research includes studies on the after-effects of COVID-19 on the eye, as well as research on glaucoma and corneal conditions. We perform many surgeries that contribute to our research, and we encourage our residents to publish their research papers as it has a significant impact. Thesis publication is mandatory for our residents.   

DTMT: What can be done to boost research on eye care?   

Prof. Singh: To enhance research, we need more facilities and resources. We spend a lot of time seeing patients, conducting 70-80 eye surgeries daily, and attending to around 1,000-1,100 patients each day. There is always a shortage of doctors, and we need more time and dedicated funding for research.