COVID Lockdowns Led to Spike in Kids’ Vision Problems, 1 in 3 Now Nearsighted, Study Finds
There was a significant spike in myopia after the COVID-19 pandemic, research has shown.
“During the pandemic, many countries implemented nationwide lockdowns to curb the spread of the virus,” [Researcher Dr. Yajun Chen] said.
“Prolonged indoor living reduced outdoor activity for children and adolescents while increasing screen time, potentially exacerbating the ocular burden on this population and worsening the myopia crisis” . . .
“Diet may play a role, but I think the greatest reason for the increase, especially coming out of the pandemic, is due to lockdowns and being indoors more,” [senior medical analyst Dr. Marc Siegel] told Fox News Digital.
With increased screen time, kids and teens have fewer opportunities for the eye muscles to have to adapt, Siegel said. (Read more from “NY Judges Scrutinize ‘Troubling’ $450 Million Penalty in Trump Fraud Case: ‘No One Lost Any Money’” HERE)
Photo credit: Flickr



