World Sight Day 2024 Poster Release at Jayshree Periwal International School, Jaipur: Love Your Eyes, Kids
In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, where screens dominate our daily lives, prioritizing eye health has become more crucial than ever—especially for children. As we approach World Sight Day on October 10, 2024, this pressing issue comes into sharper focus with the theme, “Love Your Eyes, Kids.” This initiative aims to raise awareness and encourage proactive steps to combat the alarming rise of myopia, or nearsightedness, among the youth, a condition that is increasingly linked to excessive screen time and a decline in outdoor activities.
The event featured the release of a special World Sight Day poster by Dr. Jayshree Periwal, Mr. Ayush Periwal from the Jayshree Periwal International School, Jaipur, alongside Ishita Pandey, a dedicated Class 12 student, and Dr. Suresh K. Pandey, Director of SuVi Eye Hospital, Kota. Their unified goal is crystal clear: to increase awareness about children's eye health and to tackle the rapidly escalating issue of myopia among children, which has reached epidemic proportions.
Dr. Suresh K. Pandey presented some staggering statistics that shed light on the gravity of this crisis: “In 2024, around 2.6 billion people globally have myopia. By 2050, this number is expected to reach 5 billion, or 50% of the world’s population, with nearly 1 billion experiencing high myopia, increasing risks of severe eye conditions like retinal detachment and glaucoma.” This rapid increase in myopia prevalence can be attributed to the changing lifestyle patterns driven largely by the digital revolution. The COVID-19 pandemic only exacerbated the issue, forcing children into online learning and virtual socializing, significantly increasing their screen time.
The consequences of this extended exposure are evident. Dr. Pandey emphasized that prolonged screen use has led to a surge in cases of myopia in younger populations. “Digital eye strain is a major contributing factor,” he noted. Today’s children are often seen staring at screens for hours without taking proper breaks, causing their eyes to strain and work harder, which may lead to long-term damage. “The increase in screen time has created a perfect storm for myopia,” he stated. With smartphones, tablets, and computers becoming ubiquitous, children are bombarded with artificial light and have less opportunity to bask in the natural sunlight, which is essential for healthy eye development.
Dr. Jayshree Periwal, a passionate advocate for children’s well-being and an influential educator, shared the proactive measures her school is implementing to combat this growing concern. “At the Jayshree Periwal Group of Schools, we encourage students to take regular breaks from screens through practices like digital detoxes and digital fasts,” she explained. These initiatives provide children the chance to disconnect from their devices and engage in diverse activities, fostering both their physical and mental health. “We’ve also prioritized sports and outdoor activities in our curriculum because we recognize that time spent in natural light is vital for maintaining good vision.”
This emphasis on outdoor engagement is not merely about promoting physical fitness; it’s a scientifically backed strategy to counteract the onset of myopia. Research indicates that exposure to natural light can significantly slow the progression of nearsightedness, making it crucial for safeguarding children’s eye health. Dr. Periwal asserted that encouraging children to spend at least one hour a day outdoors could lead to substantial improvements in their overall well-being.
Adding another dimension to the conversation, Mr. Ayush Periwal, CEO of Jayshree Periwal International School, Jaipur, emphasized that excessive screen time also affects children’s mental and social development. “Overuse of smartphones and digital devices can hinder interpersonal skills and focus by reducing face-to-face interactions and increasing distractions,” he noted. This digital overindulgence often results in social communication difficulties, shorter attention spans, feelings of loneliness, and potential mental health issues, particularly in adolescents. He underscored the necessity of balancing screen time, as children continuously glued to their screens may struggle to form meaningful relationships.
The most relatable voice at the event came from Ishita Pandey, who shared her personal journey of committing to a weekly digital detox. Like many teenagers, Ishita faces the challenges of navigating a world increasingly dominated by social media, academic pressures, and online communication. However, she has resolved to disconnect from her devices once a week to dedicate time to reading, spending quality moments with her family, and enjoying the outdoors. “It’s not always easy,” she admitted, “but I’ve discovered that taking a break from screens helps me focus better and feel more connected to the world around me.”
Ishita’s story is not just a personal anecdote; it serves as an inspiration for her peers who often feel overwhelmed by the digital landscape. Her experience illustrates that stepping away from technology—even for short periods—can enhance concentration, reduce stress, and cultivate stronger personal connections. She passionately encouraged her classmates to embrace the idea of digital detox as a pathway to prioritizing their health and well-being.
During the event, Dr. Pandey shared invaluable tips for maintaining healthy eyes amid our increasingly digital lifestyle. One of his key recommendations is the 20-20-20 rule: after every 20 minutes of screen time, take a 20-second break to look at something 20 feet away. This simple practice helps mitigate eye strain and allows the eyes to refocus. “Taking these small steps can have a significant impact on preserving children’s vision,” he affirmed. Additionally, he stressed the importance of proper nutrition for eye health, advocating for foods rich in vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids—such as leafy greens, carrots, and fruits—as essential components of a child’s diet.
Dr. Pandey also highlighted the critical need for regular eye check-ups, as many children may not be aware of their vision problems until they start facing difficulties in school or daily activities. Early detection of myopia and other eye conditions can prevent further deterioration and ensure timely intervention. He encouraged parents to schedule routine eye exams and stay vigilant for signs of eye strain or vision issues.
As the World Sight Day event concluded, Dr. Pandey issued a powerful call to action: “We must act now to protect our children’s eyes and secure their future.” The collective messages from Dr. Jayshree Periwal, Mr. Ayush Periwal, and Ishita Pandey reinforced this urgent sentiment. Together, they emphasized the importance of balancing technology with real-world activities, prioritizing outdoor play, and taking proactive steps to safeguard children’s eye health.
The World Sight Day poster, unveiled during the event, encapsulated the theme: “Love Your Eyes, Kids.” This simple yet impactful message serves as a reminder to parents, educators, and children alike to take immediate action. By promoting digital detox, encouraging outdoor activities, ensuring proper nutrition, and scheduling regular eye exams, we can protect the vision of the next generation and pave the way for a brighter, clearer future for all.
Blog written by: Ishita Pandey, 12 F, JPIS, Jaipur
#WorldSightDay #JayshreePeriwalInternationalSchoolJaipur #LoveYourEyesKids #EyeHealth #VisionForAll #SightForEveryone #DrJayshreePeriwal #AyushPeriwal #DrSureshKPandey #IshitaPandey #PreventBlindness #EyeCareAwareness #VisionMatters #SaveYourSight #Vision2024 #HealthyEyes #EyeCareForAll #EyeAwareness #ClearVision #VisionFirst #EyeCareRevolution #EyeHealthMatters #BetterSightBetterLife #FocusOnSight #EyeSafety
Comments
Post a Comment