The right to sight
The right to sight
Children are needing glasses at an increasingly younger age due to screens and less outdoor play. Myopia (near-sightedness) is increasing rapidly worldwide and also threatens to become a major public health problem in the Netherlands – but it is still hardly recognized as such. The dissertation of Vasanthi Iver shows that more and more Dutch children wear glasses, and that especially children born prematurely are at extra risk in the first years of life.
We know their eyes are more vulnerable, but we also know that good and timely eye tests can prevent many problems. That is why I argue that the current eye screening for children should be continued for longer and should focus more on the early detection of myopia.
Parents play a key role. When they know what myopia is and what risks intensive screen use entails, they are more likely to set clear screen-time rules and encourage outdoor play. The 20-20-2 rule helps with this: after 20 minutes of looking at something close, look into the distance for 20 seconds, and spend 2 hours outside every day.
Myopia is not just a Dutch issue but part of a growing European “myopia epidemic”. This is why cooperation between schools, child and youth health services, municipalities, and national policymakers is needed. Through initiatives such as the “Zicht op Buiten” (View Outdoors) network, we are working on greater awareness, new guidelines, and child-friendly outdoor spaces.
The message is clear: if the Netherlands wants to prevent an entire generation of children from facing serious eye problems later in life, we must act now.