Barrhaven Student-Led Initiative Tackles the Rising Myopia Epidemic – ‬ ‭Meet Project Brightsight‬ ‭

‭Project Brightsight: Taking Action Against the Myopia Epidemic‬

‭As screen time continues to rise, so does the prevalence of myopia, a growing health concern‬ that’s becoming increasingly difficult to ignore. Currently, 30% of Canadians are affected by‬ myopia, with projections suggesting that number could exceed 50% by 2050. The American‬ Academy of Ophthalmology has called this “myopia epidemic” a major public health issue that is‬ “virtually impossible to ignore.”

‭In response, five local high school students founded Project Brightsight, an initiative dedicated‬ to raising awareness about myopia and its connection to excessive screen time. The team aims‬ to educate the public about the risks and provide practical strategies to prevent and manage‬ myopia.

‬‭Understanding Myopia and Its Long-Term Consequences‬

‭Myopia occurs when the eyeball becomes too long or the cornea is too curved, causing distant‬ objects to appear blurry.

Over time, myopia can worsen, leading to serious complications like‬ retinal detachment, glaucoma, and cataracts. These risks are especially concerning as myopia‬‭ rates continue to rise, often linked to environmental factors like excessive screen time. However,‭ simple daily habits can help slow or even reverse its progression.‬

‭A Youth-Led Movement for Change‬

‭Over the past several weeks, the team behind Project Brightsight has been working hard to‬ spread their message across Ottawa, focusing on local schools and community groups. One of‬ their most recent presentations took place at Barrhaven Public School on January 31st, where‬ they spoke to a Grade 6 class about the long-term risks of excessive screen use and shared‬ tips for maintaining eye health. The students emphasized the importance of habits like outdoor‬ play, screen breaks, and proper posture when using electronic devices.‬

To broaden their reach, the team has distributed informational brochures at local libraries,‬‭ including the Ruth E. Dickinson Library, making these tips accessible to families and individuals‬‭ of all ages.‬

‭Recognizing the power of digital platforms, the team is using social media to share facts, tips,‬ and expert advice on myopia prevention. Their goal is to make eye health information easily‬ ‭ accessible to everyone, whether they’re students, parents, or professionals.‬

Small Changes, Big Impact‬

‭The Project Brightsight team is passionate about making a difference before myopia becomes‬ an unavoidable norm. They advocate that simple changes—like spending more time outdoors,‬ adhering to the 20-20-20 rule (taking a 20-second break every 20 minutes of screen time to look‬ at something 20 feet away), and reducing screen exposure—can have a profound impact on‬‭ vision health.‬

‭By raising awareness and encouraging small, positive changes, Project Brightsight aims to‬ reverse the myopia trend and protect future generations’ vision.‬

‭Together, we can create a brighter, clearer future for all.‬