The president of the Durango State College of Optometrists, Jaime Solís, warned that vision problems are on the rise and will become a serious health issue by 2030. Prolonged screen time is one of the main consequences of the pandemic.
For this reason, many programs have been launched to address visual impairments, especially among children, in both the private and public sectors. Some programs are even run by the Durango State Department of Education (SEED). “The goal is to prevent this problem from arriving suddenly and requiring massive intervention. We want to address it gradually and minimize the impact on society and the healthcare system,” he commented.
Solís explained that in Durango, the phenomenon is related to the increase in remote work, which exposes workers’ eyes to screens for extended periods, especially during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Many people have been laid off, and their only option has been to offer online jobs. Many young people resort to these types of work because there is no other choice. Being in contact with a computer or cell phone creates specific problems with visual function,” he explained.
Regarding minors, the president of the College emphasized that parents must pay special attention, as screen use at an early age is already affecting children’s visual development.
It has become common to give cell phones or tablets to children from newborns to six years old. This limits the quality of visual development and evolution and triggers other problems over the years. If parents are not advised on the proper use of these devices, a considerable decrease in visual capacity will be seen over time. Jaime Solís
The specialist indicated that visual problems are currently more complex, as they include not only cases of myopia but also amblyopia and tropias that require specific treatments. “These types of problems can be resolved with good care, prisms, or some type of therapy. If addressed early, they can be managed,” he mentioned.
A regular eye exam costs approximately 150 to 400 pesos, while specialized exams can reach 1,500 pesos. Solís indicated that in the last three years, the number of children receiving care for vision problems has increased by about 15 percent in Mexico. “There has been an explosion in the number of children seeking eye exams or therapy; many government agencies and private companies offer or give away glasses to alleviate the problem,” he pointed out.
Source: oem
