Retina South Africa has expressed deep concern over the sharp rise in myopia (short-sightedness) among children, warning of the potential for permanent eye damage.
The organisation’s warning comes as it prepares to commemorate World Retina Week from September 23 to 29, with World Retina Day falling on September 28.
The increase in myopia coincides with Retina South Africa’s ongoing efforts to raise awareness through a series of events.
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Among these are the recently held Swing for Sight golf day at Royal Johannesburg Golf Club on September 3, sponsored by the Dis-Chem Foundation, and the upcoming Spin for Sight event on September 28 at Virgin Active Bryanston, followed by Bowls for Sight on October 6 at Edenvale Bowling Club.
In line with this year’s international theme, ‘Love Your Eyes – Kids’, Retina South Africa and the South African Optometric Association are advocating for early intervention.
This includes limiting screen time and encouraging at least two hours of outdoor activity per day.
Myopia, a common eye condition where distant objects appear blurry, is becoming increasingly prevalent in children.
“Childhood myopia is more than just needing glasses. As it worsens over time, it can lead to a greater risk of eye diseases in adulthood,” said Retina SA’s social media manager Sandra Brown.
She explained that ongoing myopia progression can cause the retina to stretch, heightening the risk of conditions like retinal detachment, cataracts, and myopic maculopathy.
Brown attributed the rise in myopia to modern lifestyles, particularly the increased use of digital devices and a decrease in outdoor activities.
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“Hereditary, behavioural, and environmental factors also play a role,” she added, noting that by 2050 an estimated five billion people globally could be affected by myopia.
In response to these alarming trends, the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared in 2015 that myopia is increasing at an alarming rate.
The World Council of Optometry has since called for myopia management to be a standard of care for all myopic children.
This approach involves not just vision correction, but also treatments aimed at slowing the progression of myopia.
Brown said slowing myopia progression in children can lead to fewer changes in prescription and a reduced risk of vision impairment later in life.
Research from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University supports this, showing that specialised lenses can effectively slow myopia progression in children.
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To mark World Retina Day, Retina SA is encouraging a screen-free day, with both children and adults spending at least two hours outdoors.
The organisation is calling for public support to help ensure access to promising therapies for retinal blindness in SA.
Donations of over R250 are eligible for a tax deduction, and contributions can enhance a company’s BEE scorecard.
For more information, contact Retina SA at headoffice@retinasa.org.za
