Silvia Alarcón, ophthalmologist: "Most children's accidents happen in the schoolyard. Or in the park, outdoors. Not especially in the summer."

Silvia Alarcón , pediatric ophthalmologist at Vall d'Hebron Hospital, has warned in El Periódico of the increase in vision problems in childhood . According to the specialist, myopia already affects 25% of the world's population and could reach 50% by 2050. This increase is related to intensive use of screens at early ages . Nowadays, it is common to diagnose myopia in children as young as six years old, whereas just two decades ago it was rare.

Alarcón reminds us that myopia doesn't just involve wearing glasses ; it can also lead to more serious conditions , such as glaucoma or retinal detachment. Refractive problems, both nearsightedness and farsightedness , are the most common ones seen in consultations. The specialist emphasizes that children typically gain between 0.50 and 0.75 diopters per year , which requires periodic monitoring. This constant progression requires vigilance to reduce future risks.

Outdoor eye injuries

The doctor also points out that Vall d'Hebron frequently receives emergency visits for eye injuries in children . These range from simple corneal injuries to serious injuries from falls, sports, or firecrackers at parties. In this context, Alarcón emphasizes that " most accidents involving children occur in the schoolyard. Or in the park, outdoors. Not especially in the summer ." A warning that refutes the belief that mishaps are concentrated in the summer.

Regarding prevention, the specialist emphasizes the importance of photoscreening , a test performed in Catalonia at age two to detect vision problems. This exam identifies disorders such as lazy eye, which affects 5% of children , and facilitates earlier treatment. Alarcón emphasizes that pediatricians are key in early detection , although she warns about the saturation of the public system. Early detection is essential to improving the prognosis for children's eye health.