By Dr. Rizwana Hussaindeen, Program Director & Associate Professor of Optometry and Vision Sciences, Gulf Medical University.
Walk into any classroom today and you will spot more glasses than a decade ago. Children’s eyesight is under growing pressure, and the numbers tell the story. Globally, myopia (near-sightedness) already affects around 30% of people, and researchers project that by 2050 nearly half the world’s population will be short-sighted. Myopia usually begins in school-age children and tends to worsen through the teenage years.
The UAE reflects this trend. Studies of schoolchildren across the Emirates have reported myopia rates from about 12% in some regions to higher figures elsewhere, and clinicians here note that progression among children is speeding up. Much of it is lifestyle-driven: long hours focused on screens and books up close, and less time outdoors under natural light. Focusing on near objects for extended periods strains the eye’s focusing system and can gradually change the shape of the eyeball.
The encouraging news is that small, consistent habits at home make a real difference. Here are the ones that matter most.
Get them outside. The evidence here is strong: spending two hours or more outdoors each day has been shown to be protective against the onset of myopia (short-sightedness). Natural daylight, not the activity itself, appears to be the key. Aim for at least two hours of outdoor time every day, not just on weekends.
Follow the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes of screen or close work, have your child look at something at least 20 feet away for 20 seconds. It relaxes the focusing muscles and eases digital eye strain, which can cause blurring, dryness and headaches.
Set screen boundaries. Keep devices 18 to 24 inches from the eyes, build in regular breaks, and protect sleep by switching screens off well before bedtime. Balance screen time with reading, play and physical activity.
Feed their eyes well. A balanced diet supports healthy vision. Leafy greens, colourful fruits rich in vitamins A, C and E, eggs, nuts and omega-3-rich fish all contribute to eye health.
Watch for warning signs. Squinting, sitting very close to the television, holding books near the face, frequent eye rubbing, head tilting or complaints of headaches can all signal a vision problem worth checking.
Book regular eye exams. A yearly comprehensive eye exam catches problems early, when they are easiest to manage.
Crucially, myopia is no longer something we simply correct with stronger glasses each year. Myopia-specific control options can slow its progression, which lowers the lifetime risk of more serious conditions such as retinal detachment, glaucoma and early cataract. These include myopia-control optical modalities such as specially designed spectacles or contact lenses, orthokeratology (ortho-K) lenses that gently reshape the cornea overnight, and low-dose atropine eye drops. An optometrist or ophthalmologist can advise which approach suits your child.
Why act early? Because slowing myopia even slightly pays off for a lifetime. Every small reduction in progression means clearer, healthier eyes and a lower risk of vision problems in adulthood.
Our children are growing up in the most screen-saturated environment in history. We cannot switch that off entirely, but with more daylight, sensible screen habits, good nutrition and regular eye checks, we can give their eyes the best possible chance to thrive.
