Did you know that Hong Kong children have the highest rate of myopia, or nearsightedness, in the world?
According to the Department of Health, Hong Kong children spend more than two hours per day on electronic devices, and 15 percent of grade one student wear glasses – up from 11 percent in 2019-2020.
Optometrists warn that childhood myopia can put individuals at greater risk of eye problems later in life, including glaucoma, cataracts and macular degeneration.
Fortunately, there are a number of simple ways to safeguard eye health for adults and children alike.
Follow the 20-20-20 Rule
Much like the muscles in our body, our eyes become fatigued when they remain in one position for prolonged periods of time. If you’re spending a lot of time looking at a screen or device, it’s important to look away and focus your gaze on something further away at regular intervals to avoid eye strain. The 20-20-20- rule is easy to remember: Every 20 minutes, look at something at least 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
Keep Your Distance
It’s all too easy to allow your face to get closer and closer to your screen – especially when reading small fonts (or playing games!). Keep your phone screen at least 30 centimetres from your face, your tablet screen at least 40 centimetres away, and your computer monitor at least 50 centimetres away.
Maintain Good Lighting
Do you have a habit of looking at screens in the dark? This habit can easily lead to eye strain, as it forces your eyes to continually switch between the bright screen and the darkened room, leading to fatigue. Make sure your room is well-lit when using your devices.
Consider a Supplement
If you’re concerned about your child’s long-term eye health, a supplement can help to support healthy eye habits. Formulated in Japan, Rohto’s V Junior EX Eye Health Capsules contain Crocetin, a natural supplement that research shows can prevent and inhibit myopia progression. It is currently recommended in more than 100 hospitals and eye health clinics in Japan. Taken long-term, it can help to slow the progression of myopia and protect long-term eye health. Pick it up at Watson’s, Mannings, on HKTVMall or select optometry centres. Learn more here.
In partnership with Rohto
