Through a New Lens
There is a quiet realization that comes with growing older, the kind that makes you question whether the world has changed, or whether you are only just beginning to see it more clearly. Lately, I have observed myself noticing how common eyeglasses have become among young people. It is no longer an occasional sight; it is almost the norm. And this raises a subtle but important question; has something really changed, or was I simply too young to notice before?
On reflection, it seems to be a mixture of both awareness and reality. As children, many of us lived without questioning our vision. We adapted without knowing, squinting at distant objects, sitting closer to the board, or blaming poor visibility on external factors rather than our eyes. Today, however, awareness has improved. Eye tests are more accessible, and there is less hesitation in seeking correction. What once went unnoticed is now identified and addressed.
Yet, beyond awareness, there is also a shift in how we live. Our generation is deeply immersed in screens (phones, laptops), and endless reading at close range. The eyes, designed to alternate between distances, are now constantly engaged in near focus. At the same time, we spend less time outdoors, away from natural light, which plays a quiet but important role in healthy vision development. In this sense, our environment is shaping our eyesight in ways previous generations may not have experienced as intensely.
However, I think the response should not be alarm but adjustment. Eyeglasses remain a simple and effective solution, restoring clarity and preventing strain. But beyond correction, there are habits I believe we can cultivate... like taking regular breaks from screens, spending more time outdoors, maintaining proper lighting while reading, and being mindful of how long we engage in near work. These are small, achievable changes, yet they hold lasting value.
Perhaps, by doing so, the issue is not merely that more people wear glasses, but that we are learning, slowly but surely, to pay attention to our health in ways we once overlooked. And in that awareness, there is not just concern, but growth.
®Ahmed Salim Jn ✍️
#Uloko

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