A recent health alert has raised serious concerns about the future workforce of India. Leading eye specialists from AIIMS Delhi have warned that the rapidly declining eyesight among children could soon affect the country’s ability to find eligible candidates for critical roles such as the Army, Air Force, and Bullet Train drivers.

According to doctors, if current trends continue, by 2050 a large section of the population may face vision-related problems, making it difficult to maintain manpower in sectors where perfect eyesight is mandatory.

Experts Raise Alarm on Myopia Surge

Dr. Radhika Tandon, Head of the RP Centre at AIIMS, stated that the number of children suffering from myopia (nearsightedness) has been rising at an alarming rate. Former RP Centre chief Dr. Jeevan Singh Titiyal, citing WHO data, added that the situation is deteriorating so quickly that finding candidates with healthy vision for defense and high-speed rail services could become a major challenge within the next two decades.

He explained that earlier, children in rural areas had relatively better eye health compared to urban children. However, since 2017, the gap has disappeared, and both urban and rural children are now equally affected by vision decline.

Why Is Vision Declining So Rapidly?

Doctors point to several lifestyle and health-related factors behind this worrying trend:

• Excessive screen time from smartphones, tablets, and online learning.

• Poor diet and malnutrition, leading to lack of essential nutrients for eye health.

• Genetic conditions like retinitis pigmentosa.

• Cerebral Visual Impairment (CVI), where the brain struggles to process visual information despite healthy eyes.

• Increasing cases of myopia due to reduced outdoor activity and more time spent indoors.

Dr. Titiyal added that while technology and digital exposure are major triggers, nutritional deficiencies in growing children are also weakening their eyesight.

Eye Diseases Affecting Children

Apart from myopia, several other eye conditions are contributing to the vision crisis:

• Retinitis Pigmentosa: A rare, inherited disorder that damages the retina and can cause severe vision loss.

• Cerebral Visual Impairment (CVI): A neurological disorder where visual processing is affected, even when the eyes are normal.

• Astigmatism and Hyperopia: Refractive errors that, if not corrected, can interfere with learning and overall development.

These conditions, if not diagnosed and managed early, can result in permanent damage and restrict children from pursuing careers in sectors demanding strict eyesight standards.

Vision Standards for the Indian Army

The Indian Army has strict vision requirements for recruits:

• 6/6 (20/20) vision without correction is preferred.

• Myopia: Should not exceed –3.5 diopters.

• Hyperopia/Astigmatism: Should not exceed +3.5 diopters.

Candidates with higher power glasses than the prescribed limit are usually declared unfit for selection. However, those who meet the standards may use corrective glasses after joining the service.

This means that if the eyesight crisis continues, India may face a shortage of eligible candidates for defense, aviation, and high-speed rail jobs, which require sharp and accurate vision.

Why This Alert Matters

The warning from AIIMS doctors is not just about health but also about national preparedness and safety. Declining eyesight among children could create challenges in sectors that rely heavily on visual precision.

If corrective measures such as limiting screen time, encouraging outdoor activities, improving nutrition, and regular eye check-ups are not implemented, the issue could reach alarming proportions in the next 20–25 years.