Increase in children’s eye problems reported 

By Admin 18 Aug 2023

DMG Newsroom
18 August 2023, Sittwe

There has been a significant increase in the number of children coming to receive medical treatment at ophthalmology clinics in Arakan State, according to clinic officials.

In the past, only elderly and middle-aged people came to the eye clinic, but now 30 percent of eye patients are children, said an official at the Shwe Garuna charity clinic in Sittwe. 

“Previously, only adults were treated with eye surgery. Recently, all children, regardless of age, who have not yet reached the age of 5, are suffering from eye pain,” he added.

Children who come to the Shwe Garuna charity clinic have symptoms such as eye pain, red eyes, blurred vision, clouding of the eyes, squinting and weakness of the optic nerve.

At the Ziwaka special clinic in Sittwe, there were no children who came to the clinic because of eye problems in the past, but now the number of children is increasing.

“If 20 patients come to the clinic in a day, about five are children. If we check those children’s power tests, they have to wear glasses,” said an official from the Ziwaka special clinic.
The health community has offered that the occurrence of eye disease in children is due to the use of smartphones, playing games, watching movies and various other screen entertainments.

“As a side effect of phone use, there may be nerve-related health damage. On the other hand, using the phone gives a lot of knowledge to young people, so it should be done strictly within a certain time rather than allowing them to use it as much as they like,” said Dr. Tin Myint Oo, Medical Superintendent of Rathedaung Hospital.

As times have changed, nowadays nearly everyone is using social media, and with the pros and cons, it is necessary for parents to guide children’s use of the phone, children’s health experts say.

The World Health Organization (WHO) advises that children who use TV games, phones, and computers a lot are more prone to eye diseases such as eye pain, headaches, and myopia.

According to the current situation of Arakan State, the people are struggling in various ways due to poverty and economic hardship, and many struggle to properly care for their children. Many parents believe they are solving their children’s needs by putting phones in their hands. Children in 2023 are in contact with mobile phones all the time. 

“As long as parents follow their children’s wishes, mobile phone usage will not decrease. We always see what the eye clinic is showing children around us,” said Daw Oo Tin Yi, a resident of Mrauk-U.

The eye is among the most delicate and important organs of the human body, so it needs to be taken care of, the health community urges.

According to WHO studies, children who use mobile phones and tablets to excess are at higher risk of obesity, developmental delay, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), slowed decision-making and writing, and lagging creativity.