Health

Eyes in the Age of Screens

The dominance of screens has reshaped how children learn and play, bringing new challenges to their eye health. Myopia is rising worldwide, yet early prevention and thoughtful habits may help safeguard a child’s vision for years to come.

A generation ago, childhood unfolded largely outdoors, filled with playground adventures, printed books, and unstructured time away from digital devices. Today, children move through a landscape defined by glowing screens, from online classes and educational platforms to games and streaming videos on phones or tablets. This transformation reflects more than a shift in lifestyle. It has also introduced new pressures on young eyes.

One of the most visible consequences is the growing prevalence of myopia, or short-sightedness. The condition occurs when incoming light does not focus correctly on the retina, often because the eyeball becomes slightly elongated. As a result, distant objects appear blurred, and many children require glasses or corrective lenses earlier.

According to the World Health Organization, more than half of the global population may develop myopia by 2050 if current trends continue. In parts of East Asia and other highly digital societies, prevalence among school-age children has already reached 80 per cent.

Modern optical innovations are beginning to address this challenge. MyCon™ lenses by Rodenstock are designed not only to correct vision but also to help slow the progression of myopia. Using HAPD™ technology to guide light more precisely onto the retina, the lenses aim to reduce excessive eye growth. Clinical studies conducted over five years suggest they can reduce myopia progression by up to 40 per cent while slowing axial eye growth by as much as 56 per cent after two years of use.

Designed to be lightweight and ergonomically comfortable, MyCon™ lenses are available in multiple refractive indices. In Indonesia, they can be obtained through Optik Melawai, giving parents access to a modern optical solution that supports early and proactive management of children’s eye health.