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A Hong Kong Children Eye Study of 1,793 children has just published an article in the British Journal of Ophthalmology (BJO) regarding increased Myopia since the COVID-19 lock downs.
This is the latest study to highlight that the significant decrease in the time schoolchildren have been able to spend outdoors combined with a sharp increase in screen time during the pandemic is leading to increased childhood myopia.
The research published online in the BJO follows a similar Chinese study published last year in JAMA Ophthalmology that found myopia prevalence was three times higher in six-year-olds during the COVID-19 pandemic, giving rise to the term “Quarantine Myopia”.
Despite the Hong Kong study being an observational study with certain limitations, the researchers warned that their initial results show an alarming myopia progression that warrants appropriate remedial action.
“Our results serve to warn eyecare professionals, and also policymakers, educators and parents, that collective efforts are needed to prevent childhood myopia – a potential public health crisis as a result of COVID-19,” they concluded.
Around one in five children (19.5%) in the COVID-19 group developed myopia between January and August 2020, compared with around one in three (37%) of those in the pre-COVID-19 group over a period of three years.
According to the research results, these changes coincided with a reduction in the time the children spent outdoors, from around an 75 minutes to around 24 minutes per day and an increase in screen time from around 2.5 hours per day to around 7 hours per day.
Do go to the link above and read the full study.
We at Shattkys are committed to providing full-scope Myopia Control services, and we offer a number of exclusive services in this regard.
Make contact with Tim Eagle through our "Book Now" tab.
Kiwi's know that good things take time, so come to us, have the tests done without feeling that you have been "rushed thru", and you'll know what we mean when we say "we take the time!"
Book appointmentKiwi's know that good things take time, so come to us, have the tests done without feeling that you have been "rushed thru", and you'll know what we mean when we say "we take the time!"
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