- Gen Z lacks outdoor time
- UK faces blindness crisis
- Severe myopia increases blindness risk
The elderly couch potato children of the United Kingdom are threatening to engulf the National Health Service in a blindness crisis of the future, according to a leading eye surgeon.
Generation Z has been deprived of crucial natural light during their formative years due to excessive screen time, which could have detrimental long-term effects on their vision.
There is a global surge in the prevalence of myopic perspectives, as evidenced by the 46% increase in the United Kingdom over the past thirty years.
However, statistics have reached epidemic proportions, and eminent ophthalmologist Dr. Joern Jorgensen has warned that the situation will only worsen.
Dr. Jorgensen of LEC London asserts that during puberty, children who spend too much time indoors using electronic devices during a critical window are not obtaining enough dopamine, which damages their eyes.
Digital Habits Fuel Myopia Epidemic
The second factor is the amount of time spent gazing at smartphones and tablets from a few inches away from the face, which can lead to myopia or shortsightedness.
In China, where he operates eight clinics, Dr. Jorgensen has observed an increase in the prevalence of myopia from 30 percent to 95 percent or higher in certain regions.
He further cautions that a similar situation will ensue in Britain unless there is a significant transformation in how children occupy their leisure time.
Dr. Jorgensen, CEO of 44 eye surgery facilities worldwide and a practitioner at the London surgery center stated to MailOnline, “Children are not venturing outside as frequently as previous generations have done; they have access to everything they require on their electronic devices.”
This implies that children are deprived of natural sunlight during a critical period of their lives, which is alarming and leads to a discernible increase in myopia; we are witnessing an epidemic.
Engaging in leisurely outdoor activities, such as playing football, sports, or simply socializing with friends, induces a chemical reaction that releases dopamine.
It is understood to be an inhibitor of the specific type of ocular growth responsible for inducing myopia. As the horizontal portion of the eye continues to expand and elongate, focusing becomes increasingly tricky.
“We may promote increased outdoor activity and sports participation among children; however, it is unfeasible to undo the damage already done by social media becoming such an integral part of their lives.”
Near-Work Exacerbates Youth Myopia Risk
Another detrimental element is the excessive quantity of near-work younger individuals perform, which is similarly damaging.
I am placing a display within a few inches of one’s face to reduce blinking and overcompensation when concentrating for extended periods on up-close duties.
It causes the lens to shift and eye muscles to extend, progressively enlarging the eyeball and impairing our ability to focus on distant objects.
Dr. Jorgensen cautions that severe cases of myopia can require the use of corrective lenses, which is not sufficient to prevent blindness.
Research indicates that severe cases of myopia among young individuals increase the likelihood that they will develop macular degeneration by 41%.
A type of macular degeneration associated with aging is the primary cause of blindness.
“Treating AMD is one of the largest expenses the NHS faces; it is a tremendous drain on resources,” said Dr. Jorgensen.
“A single injection of the treatment for AMD, Lucentis, costs £1,000, and patients must receive it monthly or face the risk of blindness.”
Severe myopic impairment significantly elevates the risk of developing additional critical medical conditions, including glaucoma and retinal detachment.
“The situation is extremely dire; cases of high myopia are occurring thirty times more frequently, which is the cause of the four leading causes of eye disease: cataracts, glaucoma, retinal detachment, and AMD.”
According to his research in China, the prevalence of myopia decreases significantly in rural regions such as Tibet, where children are more frequently observed engaging in agricultural labor outdoors.
Additional eye specialists have corroborated his admonition.
According to Dr. Irfan Jeeva of Pinderfields Hospital in Wakefield, West Yorkshire, increased exposure to digital devices has led to a greater demand for eyeglasses among children.
Dr. Jeeva stated that smartphones, tablets, and televisions were used excessively frequently as “babysitters” but cautioned parents to limit their children’s screen time.
Further research is required, but sufficient evidence suggests that heightened screen time may adversely affect one’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
Displays are highly addictive. They possess an intrinsic incentive system that stimulates an increased desire for companionship.
A recent study further exacerbates the NHS’s preexisting apprehension regarding shortsightedness.
According to University College London (UCL) researchers, the most significant increase in cases occurred among adults and those with the highest academic standing.
According to UCL researchers, the upward trend may be attributable to increased time spent perusing books in school, intensive studying, and the enrollment of more Britons in universities.
Myopia affects approximately one-third of the British population and is increasing in prevalence among adolescents.
The Global Myopia Awareness Coalition commissioned research that revealed that over half of today’s children (52 percent) spend less time outdoors playing than their parents did when they were young.
A quarter of parents (54%), or nearly one-third, believe that their children are screen-addicted. Conversely, 54% would prefer that their children spend less time on screens, including video games, tablets, and television.
A majority of parents (45%) were not informed that prolonged exposure to screens can negatively affect ocular health, and 51% were not aware that time spent outdoors can postpone the onset of myopia.
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Myopia Focus initiated a petition last year requesting increased NHS funding to combat the epidemic level of childhood myopia, which the organization referred to as “a growing public health concern.”
The campaign was initiated by optometrist Jason Higginbotham, who stated, “As a result of lifestyle changes, an ever-growing population is more susceptible to developing myopia-related vision-threatening conditions.” This undeniable reality should no longer be regarded as a prospective threat.
“We wish to exert immediate pressure on ministers to take action on this matter.” The earlier treatment is initiated, the less likely your child will develop visual impairment. The government must take action.
