One in Seven Chandigarh Children Affected by Myopia, Survey Reveals

A recent eye-screening initiative in Chandigarh has revealed that nearly one in seven schoolchildren suffers from myopia, shedding light on a growing public health concern in the region. The findings stem from a survey conducted by the Advanced Eye Centre at the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research. The screening was part of a broader national effort implemented by the All India Ophthalmological Society alongside the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

Researchers evaluated a total of 4,211 students across eight urban and seven rural schools in Chandigarh. Results showed that 597 children, accounting for 14.2 per cent of the total participants, experienced nearsightedness. Notably, around 40 per cent of these affected students remained entirely unaware of their vision condition prior to the screening. When examining the geographical distribution, the prevalence reached 13.06 per cent among urban participants, while rural institutions recorded a higher rate of 16.26 per cent. Furthermore, roughly 47 per cent of rural students with myopia lacked prior awareness of their condition, compared to 35.6 per cent in urban environments.

Experts at the Advanced Eye Centre noted that childhood nearsightedness is increasingly driven by elevated screen exposure and declining levels of outdoor play. Without proper management, severe cases can lead to serious ocular complications later in life, such as retinal detachment and glaucoma. Medical professionals recommend encouraging at least two hours of daily outdoor activity, limiting recreational screen use, and scheduling routine eye examinations.

Nearly one in seven screened schoolchildren in Chandigarh has myopia, with higher rates in rural areas.

Why it matters

This screening initiative provides critical data on pediatric vision care in India, highlighting the hidden burden of refractive errors among school-aged minors. The findings emphasize the urgent need for expanded community screenings, early diagnosis, and targeted awareness campaigns to prevent long-term visual impairment.