Lifestyle factors, especially growing digital dependency, are leading to eye problems among both adults and children, with experts stressing the need for more outdoor and physical activities to minimise the problem.
On the eve of World Sight Day, experts said eye problems among both adults and children are steadily increasing? be it cataract, glaucoma, or myopia. While some issues are age-related, others are caused by lifestyle factors.
This year, World Sight Day will be observed on October 9, with the theme “Love Your Eyes.” So, take care of your eyes;? neglecting them can lead to blindness, the experts said. Dr Ajay Sharma, founder and CMD of Eye Q Hospitals, said that concerns about the younger generation are growing, as the number of children suffering from myopia (difficulty in seeing distant objects) continues to rise.
“Among the elderly, cataract and glaucoma are common issues. Dr Deependra Singh, medical director and head of retina services at Eye Q, added that the risk of glaucoma increases after the age of 40,? especially for those with a family history of the disease, or those who are diabetic or on steroids.
“At this age, it’s not enough to just check your eyeglass number; you must also get your eye pressure and retina examined. Once glaucoma develops, it’s very difficult to treat, and the most dangerous part is that it shows no early symptoms,” he explained.
Dr Sharma emphasised that parents must encourage outdoor and physical activities among children, ensure they avoid reading in dim light, and maintain a balanced diet with sufficient fruits for healthy eyes. (IANS)
