The Covid-19 pandemic has dramatically increased digital device usage, leading to a potential myopia crisis among children and adults. Experts highlight that prolonged screen time causes eye muscle strain, decreased blinking, and potential long-term vision problems. Medical professionals recommend the 20-20-20 rule and increased outdoor activities to mitigate digital eye strain. The research underscores the importance of balanced screen time and proactive eye health strategies in our increasingly digital world.
"Digital eye strain is becoming
a significant concern, especially among children post Covid." - Dr. Anuj
Mehta, VMMC and Safdarjung Hospital
Increased screen time to drive
near-sightedness in children, adults: Experts
New Delhi, March 24: 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.
Key Points
1
Prolonged screen time contributes to myopia development in children
2
20-20-20 rule helps reduce digital eye strain
3
Outdoor activities crucial for eye health recovery
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.
"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.
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.
"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.
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.
"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.
Singh added that the impact of
digital strain isn't limited to just the eyes.
"Our body functions as a
connected system -- eye health is linked to liver and heart health and
kidney," she said.
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.
They suggested the 20-20-20 rule which is after 20 minutes of
screen time, take a 20-second break by looking at an object 20 feet away and
aim for at least 2 hours of outdoor activity daily as well.
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