KUALA LUMPUR: At least one in ten children in Malaysia suffers from severe vision problems, with some cases leading to blindness, largely due to prolonged exposure to digital screens, Harian Metro reported.
Management & Science University (MSU) Centre of Excellence for Vision and Eye Care (MSU-ICARE) director Professor Dr Mohd Zaki Awg Isa said there is a growing prevalence of vision issues among children in the country.
He said excessive screen time on devices such as smartphones, computers, and tablets is one of the significant contributing factors to the rise.
"Digital devices emit blue light/ray, and prolonged exposure can cause visual fatigue and strain to the eyes.
"For infants under 18 months, it is best to avoid exposing them to electronic devices altogether, except for communication purposes like video calls with distant family members," he was quoted saying in Harian Metro.
According to the global vision report, the world vision impairment cases are expected to rise from 1.1 billion people to 2.2 billion by 2050.
In Asia and Southeast Asia, studies indicate that over 60 per cent of children are at risk of developing myopia (nearsightedness).
"Research published in the Journal of Ophthalmology predicts that by 2050, half the world's population will be affected by myopia, with 9.8 per cent or 938 million people, experiencing high myopia," said Dr Mohd Zaki.
High myopia, he said, increases the risk of severe complications such as glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration, and retinal detachment.
To mitigate these risks, Dr Mohd Zaki said parents must take charge to give importance to early preventive measures.
He urged parents and caregivers to monitor screen time and limit prolonged exposure to digital devices.
"Early prevention can reduce the risk of eye damage.
"For children, frequent breaks and encouraging outdoor activities can help maintain healthy vision," he said.
While advancements in corrective measures such as glasses, surgery, and visual rehabilitation offer hope, the expert warned that these solutions alone are not enough to counter the rising trend of vision problems.
"Current treatment options are effective, but the key lies in prevention and raising awareness about the impact of digital screen exposure on children's vision," he said.