A sharp rise in myopia, or nearsightedness, is sweeping through India, driven by excessive screen time among kids and adults alike. The overuse of digital devices, which skyrocketed during the Covid-19 pandemic as schools shifted to online learning and outdoor play faded, is behind this troubling trend. With tablets and laptops replacing classrooms and little time spent outside, eyes are paying the price, experts noted at the ‘Illness To Wellness’ Summit hosted by ASSOCHAM on Monday.
Since the pandemic, long hours glued to screens have become routine. This habit keeps eye muscles tense, especially in young, adaptable eyes, nudging them toward nearsightedness. Staring at close-up displays also cuts down on blinking, drying out eyes—made worse in stuffy, air-conditioned, or smoky rooms. Beyond dryness, fatigue and burning set in, and switching focus from screens to distant objects gets harder. Slouching over devices doesn’t help either, piling on neck and head discomfort.
The fallout isn’t just about vision—it’s tied to the body’s broader systems. Completely ditching devices isn’t realistic today, but finding balance is key. Spending more time outdoors can strengthen long-distance sight and ease the strain. One practical trick is to pause every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds, and aim for two hours outside daily. As screens dominate daily life, these small shifts could help curb the growing wave of myopia threatening both young and old. The message is clear: too much digital time is reshaping how we see the world—literally.
