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New Delhi: According to the Delhi All India Institute Of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), there has been a notable rise in poor eyesight among children over the past decade. Dr. Rohit Saxena, a professor of ophthalmology and pediatrics at the RP Center in AIIMS, noted that the prevalence of children needing glasses has risen significantly. In the past, only 3 to 4 percent of children required spectacles, whereas now, it has escalated to 20 to 25 percent, indicating a substantial increase over the last decade. For instance, in a classroom of 50 children, approximately 15 to 20 may now require glasses, compared to the earlier prevalence of 13 to 15 percent. The doctor stated that previously, vision defects were typically observed in children aged 10 to 12 years. However, there has been a concerning trend where children as young as 6 to 7 years old are now experiencing deteriorating eyesight and requiring corrective glasses. In addition, the doctor mentioned that even children under the age of 4 are experiencing myopia or vision defects, with the rise attributed to prolonged use of gadgets such as mobile phones and tablets. Dr. Rohit emphasized that children spend extensive hours on these devices, often without parental intervention. Prior to the pandemic, parents sought advice on limiting television time, but now concerns about excessive gadget use have taken precedence. Dr. Rohit Saxena highlighted a shift in parental attitudes towards gadget use, noting that while some parents now claim their children only spend 2 hours on phones, this change in mindset adversely affects children's eyesight. He advised that if children are engaged in online learning, parents should encourage them to use computers or laptops for studying and reserve smart screens for entertainment purposes. Furthermore, he emphasized maintaining a distance from screens equivalent to the length of one's hand, stating that exceeding this distance is acceptable. Professor Dr. Saxena from the RP Center highlighted the alarming trend of increasing poor eyesight among children over the past three decades, with East Asian countries such as China, Singapore, and Hong Kong experiencing particularly high rates, reaching 80 to 90 percent. Moreover, he noted that India is also witnessing a steady rise in this issue among children. Contrary to previous assumptions, even rural areas are now affected, indicating a surge in gadget use among children in those regions. Dr. Rohit emphasized that data from rural areas over the last decade indicates a concerning rise in visual impairment among children, climbing from 3 to 4 percent to 7 to 8 percent. He underscored the importance of digitalization, acknowledging its positive impact and increasing awareness, even in rural communities. However, he cautioned against the detrimental effects of excessive gadget use such as mobile phones and tablets, particularly on children. He stressed the importance of raising parental awareness and educating children about the potential harm, as young minds may not comprehend the risks involved. In such circumstances, certain symptoms should be noted. These include difficulty copying homework from the board in class, resorting to copying from another child's notebook, or squinting while looking at the board. Moreover, if a child frequently watches TV or reads books at a close distance, experiences watery eyes, or habitually rubs their eyes, these are indicative symptoms of a potential vision defect or myopia. In such cases, parents should promptly schedule an eye examination for their children. Additionally, when children engage in continuous phone use or online homework, parents must ensure they take a 5-minute break every half hour. It's also advisable to position the computer or laptop near a window, encouraging children to glance outside periodically while studying. Furthermore, if feasible, encourage studying outdoors on the balcony or terrace. It's essential for children to spend at least 2 hours outdoors during daylight hours, preferably in the morning or before evening.