Increased screen time to drive near-sightedness in children, adults: Experts
Overuse of digital devices and the resulting increased screen time is driving a significant number of people, especially the young towards near-sightedness or myopia, warned experts on Monday.
- NEW DELHI — Overuse
of digital devices and the resulting increased screen time is driving a
significant number of people, especially the young towards near-sightedness or
myopia, warned experts on Monday.
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- Health experts have long been raising concerns over the
world moving towards an explosive myopic crisis, especially post the Covid-19
pandemic, when traditional schools shifted to online learning through tablets
and laptops; and outdoor activities were almost eliminated.
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- “Digital eye strain is becoming a significant concern,
especially among children post Covid. When children focus on screens for long
periods, the eye muscles remain contracted. Over time, this prolonged strain
contributes to the development of myopia (near-sightedness), particularly in
young, pliable eyes,” said Dr. Anuj Mehta, Professor, and HOD, Ophthalmology,
VMMC and Safdarjung Hospital at the ‘Illness To Wellness’ Summit organised by
ASSOCHAM.
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- Dr. Kirti Singh, Director Professor, Guru Nanak Eye Centre,
Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi said that the constant focus on screens
decreases the rate of eye blinking, leading to dry eyes.
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- “This issue is even more pronounced in cramped spaces with
poor ventilation, excessive air conditioning, or exposure to smoke - conditions
often seen in ‘sick building syndrome,” Singh.
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- According to ophthalmologist Dr. (Prof.) A. K. Grover, from
a city-based hospital, reduced or ineffective blinking leads to ocular surface
issues such as dryness, burning, and eye fatigue.
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- "Prolonged screen time strains our ability to shift
focus between near and distant objects causing focusing difficulties. It can
also lead to poor posture which contributes to neck and head strain, adding to
overall discomfort,” Grover noted.
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- Singh added that the impact of digital strain isn’t limited
to just the eyes.
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- “Our body functions as a connected system -- eye health is
linked to liver and heart health and kidney,” she said.
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- The experts agree that eliminating digital devices from
children’s lives is unrealistic. However, steps can be taken to minimize its
impact of causing digital eye strain. They emphasised the importance of
balance, encouraging more outdoor activities to strengthen long-distance
vision.
