One of the common concerns that parents face in today’s digital age is managing their children’s screen time and protecting their eyes. With the increasing use of technology for education and entertainment, children are spending more time in front of screens, raising concerns about eye health.
Myopia, a prevalent eye condition among the younger population, has become a cause of worry for parents and specialists. While genetics plays a role in myopia, excessive screen time is also believed to contribute to its development. Dr. Pradeep Sharma, a paediatric ophthalmologist, explains that prolonged screen exposure can lead to eye elongation, resulting in myopia.
However, simply banning screens is not a feasible solution, as digital devices offer valuable educational and social opportunities for children. Instead, promoting healthy screen habits and incorporating regular breaks is essential. Dr. Sharma recommends the 20:20:20 guideline, which involves taking a 20-second break to focus on something 20 feet away every 20 minutes.
As schools and healthcare providers play a crucial role in raising awareness about eye health, it is important for parents to educate their children about the significance of maintaining good eye health. Balancing screen time with other offline activities is key to preventing excessive screen exposure and protecting children’s eyesight.
