Warning of high rate of myopia in urban children

On August 23, the 5th World Conference on Controlling Myopia Progression and the 3rd Vietnam Ophthalmology Refractive Conference (GOMCC 2025) in Hanoi continued to warn about the increasing rate of myopia in urban children.

According to experts, the rate of children with myopia in urban areas is many times higher than in rural areas: about 30-40% in cities compared to 15-20% in rural areas. The main reasons come from high-intensity studying, early use of electronic devices and lack of natural light.

Data also show that East Asia - Southeast Asia is a "hot spot" for myopia, with warnings about complications when myopia increases (risk of retinal damage, macular degeneration, etc.), so early screening and control of myopia progression need to be integrated into school health programs.

In Da Nang, the school eye care model has been systematically implemented for many years. The Department of Education and Training and the Department of Health have coordinated with the Fred Hollows Foundation to carry out many projects in Da Nang.

Specifically, the project on guiding the quality standards of refractive services at optical service facilities issued by the Ministry of Health ; the project on increasing community access to 5 standard optical service facilities; the project on increasing access of optical/optical service facilities across the city to refractive training courses...

Through this, more than 190,000 students were screened and thousands of pairs of glasses were provided, showing a huge need for myopia treatment intervention.

For many years, Da Nang Eye Hospital has implemented the program "Children's Eyes" with free screening, diagnosis, treatment and surgery for children in need.

In addition, the "Expanded School Eye Care" project to improve eye health for students is also organized by Quang Nam Eye Hospital.

Experts have made recommendations for parents and schools: increase outdoor activities to at least 120 minutes per day; arrange standard study lighting; manage screen time; have regular eye exams for early detection and correct prescription glasses.

These are low-cost but effective “leverages” suitable for Da Nang to maintain school vision rates at a safe level in the new school year.

Source: https://baodanang.vn/canh-bao-ty-le-mac-can-thi-tang-cao-o-tre-do-thi-3300256.html