Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology advises regular eye check-ups for children

KATHMANDU: The Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology has urged parents and guardians to ensure their children receive eye check-ups after birth, before starting school, and annually thereafter.

Symptoms such as reddish eyes, blurred vision, eye pain, teary eyes, eye discharge, and uneven eye sizes require prompt medical attention. Anyone experiencing these symptoms is advised to visit nearby health facilities or hospitals.

On the occasion of World Sight Day 2024 on October 10, the Institute stressed the need for eye check-ups for children, especially for those with white spots on their eyes, premature births, or low birth weight. This year’s theme for the Day was “Children, Love Your Eyes.”

According to the World Health Organization, the increased use of digital devices among children and reduced outdoor activities have caused various eye issues among them. By 2050, it is estimated that around 50 percent of the global population will have sight problems.

The Institute has warned that failing to provide timely treatment for vision issues can lead to serious consequences for educational learning among children. However, timely intervention and the use of glasses can reduce these risks by 44 percent. Currently, around 45 million children worldwide have vision problems and many of them have been denied access to necessary treatment.

In Nepal, about 1.1 million children have vision defects, and around 700,000 have no access to eye care facilities, according to the Institute.