Excessive use of electronic devices, such as cell phones, has caused an increase in cases of myopia among children and adolescents living in the city of São Paulo. The alert was issued on Tuesday (13) by the Municipal Health Department of São Paulo.
Based on data from the Coordination of Epidemiology and Information, the Secretariat reports that in the past two years, the incidence of myopia among children and adolescents up to 19 years of age has increased by 134%. In 2019, 866 cases of the disease were recorded in this age group. In 2020, with the extremes of confinement and the difficulty for people to leave their homes to go to the ophthalmologist, the number dropped to 584 diagnoses. But in 2021, cases jumped to 1,720. In 2022 through September alone, 2,026 cases have been diagnosed.
“With social isolation, children stayed home and activities were limited to screens, such as computers, smartphones and televisions, which restricted the visual field,” said Luciana Emi Sasaki Asai, ophthalmologist from the coordinating organization of the volume.
The World Health Organization considers myopia an epidemic, and its cause is directly linked to the confinement caused recently by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Tips
Myopia is caused by a change in the eyeball, which makes it difficult to see from afar. The doctor said that although hereditary and hereditary factors can predispose to this condition, constant exposure to electronic devices increases a child’s chance of becoming nearsighted. He added, “Therefore, some studies recommend practicing outdoor recreation, for at least two hours, in environments where there are no visual boundaries and contact with sunlight.” Parents should also prevent children under the age of two from using electronic devices.
Another tip from the expert is that parents or guardians should be aware of some signs: when children close their eyes to see better, complain of headaches, scratch their eyes frequently or show disinterest in school activities, it may indicate vision problems. When you notice any of these factors, the best is to take the child to an ophthalmologist who can confirm the diagnosis. The recommendation is that the specialist be consulted at least once a year.
The service with an ophthalmologist can be done free of charge in the capital of São Paulo through the Basic Healthcare Unit (UBS).
Andrea Hargraves is a contributor to Brytfmonline.com, covering a broad range of topics including news, politics, business, technology, sports, entertainment, and lifestyle. She is committed to delivering clear, accurate, and reader-focused reporting that helps audiences stay informed about current events and emerging developments. Andrea’s work emphasizes useful information, balanced coverage, and stories that matter to everyday readers, making complex topics accessible and relevant to a wide audience.