Sharp Rise in Childhood Myopia in India Tied to Excessive Screen Time, Say Experts

India may face a myopia epidemic among children, with nearly 50% expected to be affected by 2050 if current screen usage trends continue, according to projections in Ophthalmic & Physiological Optics.

As screens become part of daily life for young users, particularly for entertainment and education, doctors are flagging a spike in eye-related health issues among Indian children, ranging from myopia to digital eye strain, disturbed sleep, and even behavioural changes.

A recent study reported in the Times of India, citing findings from the journal Cureus, revealed that over 50% of children under five who were exposed to extended screen time showed symptoms of digital eye strain. These included fatigue, headaches, sleep disturbances, and mood-related behavioural issues, raising concerns over long-term developmental impact.

“Prolonged screentime puts school-age children at a higher risk of ocular digital stress like increased incidence of myopia or near-sightedness, rapid progression of myopia, squint, and dry eye disease,” said Dr Deepti Joshi, MS, FIPO, Consultant in the Department of Paediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus at MM Joshi Eye Institute in Karnataka. “Screen-emitted blue light poses a dual threat: damaging the retina due to free radicals and affecting overall health by suppressing melatonin and disturbing sleep.”

Data Points to a Growing Urban Health Concern

Between 1999 and 2019, myopia among urban Indian children aged 5 to 15 rose from just over 4% to more than 21%, according to a Times trend report. If this trajectory continues, researchers warn of a generational spike in vision impairment that may affect education, attention spans, and even emotional well-being.

In Rajkot, a survey by the Psychology Department at Saurashtra University found that 81% of children under 10 were regularly using screens, mostly to watch cartoons, during meals. The study underlines how digital devices have become deeply embedded in routines like eating, learning, and even sleeping.

Doctors Recommend Limits and Better Practices

Health experts now urge a two-pronged approach: limit screen time and encourage the use of devices that reduce visual strain.

“Instilling healthy screen habits early on is the key to safeguarding children's eye health,” added Dr Joshi. “Setting a strict screen time limit is one-way parents can support the same. When screens are necessary for academics, follow the 20-20-20 rule: Every twenty minutes, take a twenty-second break and stare at something 20 feet away to alleviate digital eye stress. Using blue light filter modes can also help.”

Some Devices Begin Incorporating Eye-Safe Features

While the bulk of responsibility still lies with caregivers, some tech companies are beginning to design products with eye health in mind. Devices like the OPPO Pad SE, for instance, include TÜV Rheinland-certified low blue light and flicker-free displays, intended to reduce visual strain.

The tablet also features Kids Mode, allowing parental controls on app access and screen time, along with adaptive eye-protection settings that respond to ambient light, helping reduce harsh contrasts in low-light use.

According to Savio D’Souza, Head of Product Communications at OPPO India, “At OPPO, innovation isn’t just about performance metrics, it’s about designing technology that improves life in a measurable, meaningful way.”

From Individual Screens to a National Concern

What was once dismissed as a parenting challenge is now being recognised as a public health concern. With screens unlikely to disappear from children’s lives, experts agree the focus must shift to how screens are used—and how safe they are.

“It’s not about eliminating digital access for kids,” said Dr Joshi, “but about enabling safer and healthier use—starting with awareness and supported by responsible tech design.”