A recent report has revealed a troubling trend in Fiji: the incidence of myopia, or shortsightedness, is on the rise among school-aged children. Eye-care professionals point to several contributing factors including increased screen time, reduced outdoor activity, and growing academic pressures. Findings from a nationwide eye-screening initiative in 2025 found that approximately one in ten children were diagnosed with refractive errors, resulting in blurred vision. The demand for vision correction among adults also indicates a broader public health concern.
Extended periods spent on digital devices without regular breaks or proper posture contribute to eye strain and fatigue. While screens are often blamed, experts stress that a mixture of behavioral and environmental factors plays a significant role in worsening vision among children.
Research published in JAMA Network in 2025 suggests that prolonged near vision activities, such as reading or using devices at close range, can strain the eye’s accommodation system and is closely linked to the progression of myopia. Studies indicate that reduced outdoor time significantly influences eye development since natural light is crucial for healthy sight. Furthermore, evidence shows that for every additional hour children spend using screens, their risk of developing shortsightedness increases. Recommendations from experts, as noted by The Guardian, include limiting screen time and encouraging outdoor play.
Poor ergonomic setups and insufficient lighting add to the problem, leading to visual strain and discomfort. Crucially, the way devices are used—like maintaining appropriate viewing distances and ensuring proper lighting—has a greater impact on eye health than the blue light emitted from screens.
In urban areas, the rising use of screens among schoolchildren, combined with challenges in accessing eye care services in rural regions, highlights a pressing public health challenge. Although screens are now a ubiquitous part of everyday life, raising awareness and improving access to vision care is vital to mitigate avoidable vision issues.
To tackle these challenges, health experts propose several practical measures for families, communities, and policymakers in Fiji:
– Limit continuous near work with the 20-20-20 rule, which advocates taking breaks to reduce visual strain.
– Encourage outdoor activities for children, targeting three to four hours of exposure daily to help slow the progression of myopia.
– Focus on optimizing ergonomic settings by positioning screens at eye level and ensuring they are at a comfortable distance to alleviate strain.
– Schedule regular eye examinations, especially for children and those with a family history of myopia, to enable early detection and intervention.
– Support eye screening initiatives in communities, predominantly in rural areas with limited clinic access.
– Raise awareness about the eye health risks associated with a digital lifestyle while addressing traditional risks like cataracts and UV exposure, integrating eye care into broader health outreach initiatives.
– Improve access to eye care services via mobile clinics and outreach programs targeting underserved communities.
As Fiji confronts the rising rates of myopia, there is also hope. Enhanced monitoring, innovative clinical interventions, and a renewed focus on responsible screen usage could help reverse these trends. For Fijian communities, it’s evident that while screens are a fundamental part of modern life, thoughtful usage, combined with ample outdoor activities, good ergonomic practices, and accessible eye care, can lead to healthier vision in our increasingly digital world. With concerted efforts, Fiji has the potential to secure a brighter future for its visual health, even amidst the challenges presented by the digital age.