IMPACT OF SCREEN TIME ON CHILDREN’S VISION

As screen time increases, so does the concern regarding its influence on children’s eye health. Parents, guardians, caregivers, and educators need to recognise these possible effects and advocate for healthy screen habits among children.
Let’s delve into how screen usage impacts children’s vision.

HOW SCREENS INFLUENCE CHILDREN’S EYES (EYE HEALTH)

1. Sleep Disruption Due to Screen Usage: The blue light emitted by screens can disrupt the production of melatonin, the hormone responsible for regulating sleep. Although some of the dangers associated with blue light may have been exaggerated in recent years, using screens too close to bedtime can negatively affect sleep quality. This might delay the onset of sleep, which indirectly harms eye health by preventing the eyes from receiving adequate rest. This is significant since sleep is so vital to childhood development that the World Health Organisation has made it one of the key focus areas in their latest guidelines.

2. Heightened Risk of Myopia (Nearsightedness): Research indicates that the prevalence of nearsightedness has almost doubled, with up to 90 per cent of teenagers and adults now being nearsighted—a stark increase compared to previous generations. Recent studies propose that excessive screen time, particularly when paired with reduced outdoor activity, may contribute to a rise in myopia. When children concentrate on close-up activities such as reading or using devices for extended periods, it can lead to eye growth changes that result in myopia.

3. Digital Eye Strain: Digital eye strain is not a distinct eye condition like cataracts or glaucoma; rather, it refers to a collection of symptoms that individuals may experience after staring at screens for prolonged periods, often referred to as computer vision syndrome. Symptoms can include dry eyes, itchy eyes, blurred vision, discomfort, and headaches. Though these symptoms are temporary and do not cause permanent damage to the eyes, children may not always be aware of or report these issues. Thus, parents should be attentive to signs such as frequent eye rubbing or remarks about tired eyes.

Furthermore, screen usage can expose children to blue light, which may add to digital eye strain and potentially raise the risk of long-term eye damage.

Would you like additional details on how to reduce these effects or advice on encouraging healthy screen habits? Stay tuned!

Get in touch with TREETOP VISION EYE CENTRE (TREVEC), the best eye clinic in Utako, Abuja, to arrange an appointment for your children today.

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