PERI: Return of face-to-face classes a welcome sight

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THE head of the Philippine Eye Research Institute (PERI) yesterday welcomed the return of face-to-face classes, saying it will help prevent more children from developing visual impairment.

In a virtual press briefing, PERI Director Dr. Leo Cubillan said the return of physical classes can help ensure that children won’t be confined to using gadgets.

“We will be able to prevent more from having eye problems if they are exposed to outdoor light,” said Cubillan.

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“With pure online classes, they won’t have that outdoor exposure. Thus, it is really good that we now have in-person classes,” he added.

Since the start of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic in early 2020, students have been limited to online classes.

Data from PERI showed that among those in the kindergarten age, 8.9 percent already need to wear glasses.  Some 10 percent of elementary aged children also experience error of refraction.

Among high school students, PERI said about 16 percent are now requiring glasses.

“Some of them already require high grade glasses,” lamented Cubillan.

PERI said exposure to outdoor light is being recommended to children to prevent them from developing visual impairment.

In particular, PERI said they are recommending 3 or 15 hours of daily or weekly outdoor light exposure, respectively, for children.

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