vi
30-Jul-2025
12,255 Does Too Much Online Learning Cause Early Myopia in Children?
School-related myopia has long been a growing concern, and since the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic, this issue has become even more alarming. Many parents were shocked to see their children’s myopia progress rapidly after just a few months of online learning. But what are the causes? And how can we detect and control early-onset myopia in children?
School Myopia: A Post-Pandemic Surge
Children spending hours joining online learning face eye strain – an early sign of school myopia.
According to reports from major eye hospitals and local health authorities, the rate of myopia among children surged during the online learning period, especially in the 8–15 age group. Many children experienced a 0.5 to 2.0 diopter increase in just one year, accompanied by blurred distance vision, eye strain, and frequent headaches.
| Age Group | Before Online Learning | After 1 Year of Online Learning |
|---|---|---|
| 6–10 years old | ~15% with myopia | ~27% with myopia |
| 11–15 years old | ~28% with myopia | ~44% with myopia |
Source: Tien Phong News, District 5 Hospital, Ministry of Health
Why Does Online Learning Increase Myopia Risk in Children?
Prolonged online learning affects the eyes in multiple ways:
- Extended near-focus: Children stare at screens 6–10 hours a day, often at distances under 30 cm.
- Lack of outdoor activity: Eyes don’t relax or adjust between near and far distances.
- Poor lighting conditions: Study environments lack proper brightness or screen contrast.
- Small screens with dense content: Increases visual fatigue and speeds up eye strain.
Early Warning Signs of Myopia in Children
In reality, many parents do not prioritize routine eye exams, leading to delayed detection of refractive errors.
A child rubbing their eyes while studying online – a common sign of visual fatigue and potential progressive myopia.
Many children are unaware of their vision issues until the condition worsens and starts to affect daily life. Parents should watch for these signs:
- Squinting while viewing the board or watching TV.
- Frequent eye rubbing, especially in the evening.
- Headaches and lack of concentration while studying.
- Sitting very close to books or screens during study or device use.
What Happens If Not Detected Early?
Early-onset myopia with rapid progression can lead to serious complications:
| Complication | Impact Level |
|---|---|
| Retinal degeneration, detachment | High risk of permanent vision loss if undetected |
| Open-angle glaucoma (chronic high eye pressure) | Common in early high myopia cases |
| Irreversible visual impairment | Even with glasses, vision remains blurred |
Effective Myopia Management and Treatment
For children already diagnosed with myopia, wearing glasses is the most common correction. The frequency depends on severity and daily visual demands. A common myth is that “wearing glasses worsens myopia” – in reality, properly prescribed glasses reduce eye strain and don’t accelerate progression.
At TD Eye – a specialized ophthalmology center, myopia control is customized for each case, especially effective for children with early or rapidly progressing myopia.
Comprehensive Eye Examination Includes:
- Accurate refraction (Refractometry)
- Corneal topography – detect hidden astigmatism
- Accommodation testing, contrast sensitivity, night vision analysis
Regular eye exams help detect myopia early and prevent uncontrolled progression.
Treatment Methods at TD Eye:
- Prescription glasses with correct axis alignment: Suitable for mild to moderate myopia in children.
- Ortho-K night contact lenses: Control progression effectively and safely during sleep.
- Low-dose Atropine eye drops: Proven to slow myopia progression in children.
- Phakic ICL surgery: Ideal for severe myopia, thin corneas, or complex astigmatism – non-corneal, removable if needed.
Recommendations for Parents
- Apply the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, rest for 20 seconds, and look at something 20 feet away (approx. 6 meters).
- Encourage outdoor activities for at least 1–2 hours per day.
- Ensure proper desk lighting with correct brightness and color temperature.
- Limit screen time outside of school-related activities.
- Schedule eye exams every 6 months at a certified eye clinic.
In conclusion, online learning is here to stay, but without proper control, children may face early-onset and rapidly progressing myopia. Timely intervention with the right methods will help protect their vision from a young age. TD Eye is here to support you with personalized eye care – from detection to effective treatment.
22/11/2025
0916.741.763
Appointment