A growing concern among pediatricians and ophthalmologists is the increasing prevalence of myopia – nearsightedness – in children. Left unaddressed, this condition can worsen over time, possibly leading to serious long-term eye damage. It’s a trend demanding immediate attention from parents and caregivers.

Myopia typically manifests as difficulty seeing distant objects clearly. While the causes are multifaceted, experts point to a combination of factors including increased screen time, lifestyle choices, and genetic predisposition.

“prolonged focus on close-up tasks, like using smartphones or tablets, can strain the eye’s focusing system,” explains Dr. Edwin Damar Prabowo, an Eye Specialist Resident at RSUD dr. H. Slamet Martodirdjo (Smart) Pamekasan. “The eyes need regular breaks to refocus on distant objects. A good rule of thumb is to look away from the screen every 20 minutes and focus on somthing far away for an extended period.”

However, it’s not just about screens. Dr. Prabowo emphasizes the important role of heredity. “We are seeing children diagnosed with myopia before the age of 10, and a family history of nearsightedness is often a contributing factor. This risk is amplified if a child doesn’t maintain a healthy lifestyle