The COVID-19 Level 4 Alert has us all in lockdown. This has forced children to "shelter in their homes". And what do most children do when at home? They play video games, and look at digital screens for hours and hours. Lack of outdoor time and extensive near work are both serious risk factors for increasing myopia (shortsightedness) in children. We now know that myopia increases the risk of permanent sight-threatening disease later in life.

Will we see a large increase in children developing short-sightedness in the next year? Will myopic children find that their prescription increases in strength at a faster rate in the coming year due to the COVID-19 lifestyle restrictions. It is very possible.

So what can a parent do to lessen these serious challenges posed by the lockdown?

1. Help your child go outdoors for 1 hour every day, take a walk to the park
2. Invent interesting outdoor activities and participate with your children, see the links below for ideas.
3. Get them to read or work on their devices outdoors. High light levels are thought to be a key protective factor of outdoor time in regards to myopia. Even under shade, umbrella, or with a hat and sunglasses, the light levels typically reaching a child’s eye will exceed that of indoors. If they can’t get outdoors for this, then locate near natural lighting, for example, by a large window
4. Check they take a 10-minute break for every 30 minutes of screen time.
5 Be a model for your children by having healthy screen habits yourself.

Supporting Kids During the COVID-19 Pandemic | Child Mind Institute

250+ Creative Ways to Keep Your Family Sane During the COVID-19 Crisis

Good luck and stay safe (and sane). Our practice is closed at the moment. If you are concerned about your child’s eyesight or want to learn more about how we can limit myopia progression as they get older, feel free to get in touch with us via phone or email.