Experts stress outdoor time and public health measures to tackle childhood myopia
Reduced outdoor time and prolonged near-work, including screen use, may be contributing to rising myopia among children, experts said, stressing the need for early screening and stronger public health measures
Experts have emphasized the importance of outdoor time and effective public health measures to address the growing issue of childhood myopia. During a webinar hosted by The Hindu on August 30, 2026, ophthalmologist Vasumathy Vedantham and consultant paediatric ophthalmologist Vasudha Kemmanu discussed the increasing concern over myopia and refractive errors in children.
Vedantham urged parents to be cautious of misinformation on social media, noting that false claims and unverified products often circulate online. She stressed that relying on evidence-based medical advice was crucial. Kemmanu highlighted the significance of children spending more time outdoors, as reduced exposure to natural light is linked to the rise in myopia cases.
She called for stronger public health measures, including the involvement of governments and schools, to foster environments that support children's eye health. Both experts also stressed the need for regular eye screenings and prompt identification of early signs of vision problems to ensure timely intervention. The webinar, moderated by The Hindu's Athira Elssa Johnson, aimed to educate parents and school authorities on the best practices to safeguard children's vision in an increasingly digital world.
Written by urgent.news from The Hindu Health's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
