Too much screen time? Here’s how to protect your child’s eyes

During the age of digital times, children are putting in more hours than ever before looking at screens, either for learning, entertainment, or simply playing video games. While technology is highly a part of modern-day learning, overindulgence has seen it bring about a new health condition referred to as digital myopia. Digital myopia, or near-sightedness due to screen exposure, is a growing condition in which children receive minus-number glasses due to pro-longed exposure to digital screens like cell phones and tablets.

Fortunately, the onset of digital myopia can be slowed, and in some cases, its impact can be reversed with some slight lifestyle changes, says Dr. Pawan Gupta, Senior Cataract & Retina Surgeon, Eye 7 Hospitals, Lajpat Nagar & Vision Eye Clinic, New Delhi

1. Restrict Screen Time to 1–1.5 Hours a Day- Children aged below 14 should not spend more than one to one and a half hours on the screen each day. Prolonged close-up screen usage sends a message to the eyes that near vision is preferable, causing the muscle of the eye to adapt and become altered, and it can result in myopia, says Gupta. Limiting screen time allows the eyes to get the rest they require.

2. Adhere to the 20-20-20 Rule- To avoid strain, kids need to be taught to observe the 20-20-20 rule: after 20 minutes of screen time, glance at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This easy habit relaxes the eye muscles and minimizes the strain that leads to myopia.