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New Delhi: In an endeavor to raise awareness against vision defects, (especially myopia), among the pediatric population, All India Ophthalmology Society in partnership with Sun Pharma, today launched, consensus guideline on prevention and management of childhood myopia.
The event was launched in the honorable presence of Dr Lalit Verma- Elected President AIOS(2022-23), Dr Harbansh Lal-Vice President AIOS, Dr (Prof.) Namrata Sharma- Secretary AIOS , Dr (Prof.) Rohit Saxena, among various other eminent personalities. The event emphasized on the importance of early and timely detection and intervention in childhood myopia cases, showcasing open discussions by the chairpersons.
“It is indeed a proud privilege to bring out this National, Expert Based Consensus Statement regarding Management of childhood myopia. While there have been many guidelines published by pediatric ophthalmologists from the west, there has been no such practice patterns available for Indian ophthalmologists and what would be the preferred clinical practice for our country. This document hopes to fill this void and provide guidelines best suited in the Indian scenario. Myopia or short sightedness constitutes a significant health problem in children worldwide.” Said Dr Lalit Verma
Recently Indian regulatory body CDSCO has also approved a pharmacological drug Atropine 0.01% in India for the treatment of progressive myopia, so early screening can help timely intervention and provide kids a bright future.
“Myopia being the most widely spread vision defect, is very common and is estimated to affect atleast one-fifth of the global population, accounting for atleast 45% among adults, and 25% among children. Unattended or uncorrected short-sightedness is the most common cause of vision loss, developing cataract, macular degeneration, retinal detachment or glaucoma. In the times of COVID, and the rapid transformation to digital platform, kids and school children, have fallen under the radar of various types of vision defects, with most cases of short-sightedness. In such cases it is mandatory to seek immediate correction, with eyeglasses, contact lenses or surgical intervention if required, to prevent complications in adulthood.” Said Dr Namrata
“AIOS is one of the largest ophthalmology society in the world and is dedicated to the welfare of the eye health in India Myopia or short sightedness constitutes a significant health problem in children worldwide. The prevalence of myopia has shown a rising trend in the past few decades not only globally, but also in India. Moreover, in the ongoing COVID pandemic, virtual platforms have replaced physical teaching and outdoor activities have decreased due to various restrictions in place. This has led to increased screen time and near work, further accelerating the development of myopia in school going children. This impacts the learning and progress of Kids and if not attended can causes future complications related to eyes.” Said Dr Rohit Saxena
Nearsightedness as the name suggests, it has no trouble focusing nearby objects, but the inability of the eye to focus distant object, is a very common refractive error. Apart from the prominence of genetic factors where the risk factor for development of myopia in children doubles when both the parents are near-sighted, environmental factors and the digital reformation has also added to the burden at an alarming rate post COVID-added Dr Rajesh Sinha (Treasure, AIOS)
