World Sight Day 2024: Reduce your child's screen time to minimise myopia risk

Causes of myopia in children: Lack of exposure to natural light and excessive exposure to blue light after sunset tend to disrupt the body clock. This is considered a risk factor for myopia development (Image: Canva)

Do you notice your child squinting, sitting too close to the TV, or having trouble reading the board at school? These could be signs of myopia (nearsightedness). The World Sight Day is a good time to focus on the importance of eye health, especially for children.

Prolonged screen use can lead to digital eye strain, causing discomfort and fatigue, while constant near-focusing may contribute to the elongation of the eyeball, a key factor in myopia development. Says Dr Sameer Kaushal, Head of Ophthalmology at Artemis Hospitals, Gurugram, “Myopia, or nearsightedness, has become increasingly prevalent among children. As screens dominate their daily activities, it's essential to understand how reducing screen time can positively impact their eye health."

Understanding myopia:

Most cases of myopia occur when the eyeball is too long compared to the focusing power of the eye, causing distant objects to appear blurry. “The rise in myopia rates among children over the last few decades parallels the increased screen usage and reduced outdoor activities,” explains Dr Kaushal.

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Increased screen time: The culprit

Although the data is not unequivocal, some studies suggest a correlation between screen time and the development of myopia. “This correlation is especially strong for infants. Prolonged focus on screens can also strain their eyes, leading to discomfort,” warns Dr Kaushal.

He offers the following tips on how to reduce myopia among kids:

• Increasing outdoor time for healthier eyes: Lack of exposure to natural light and excessive exposure to blue light after sunset tend to disrupt the body clock. This is considered a risk factor for myopia development. Spending time outdoors can help regulate eye growth and reduce the risk of myopia. It’s necessary to aim for at least two hours of outdoor activity daily, which can significantly mitigate the effects of screen time.

• Taking regular breaks to relieve eye strain: Implementing the 20-20-20 rule can help reduce eye strain. Encourage kids, as well as adults, to take a 20-second break to look at something 20 feet away every 20 minutes. This simple habit can alleviate discomfort and support better eye health.

• Encouraging activities that don’t involve screens: Promote activities that don’t involve screens, such as reading physical books, playing sports, or engaging in outdoor games. These activities not only provide a break from screens but also enhance physical health and well-being.

• Setting clear limits for screen time usage: Establishing clear boundaries for screen time is essential. Limiting screen use to 1-2 hours per day for children aged 2 and older ensures a balanced approach to technology and helps reduce eye strain.

• Regular check-ups for early detection of myopia: Routine eye examinations are vital for the early detection and management of myopia. Regular visits to an eye care professional can help monitor eye health and address any concerns promptly.