Eye Specialists Warns Parents To Protect Kids' Eyes From Too Much Screen Time

Specialist Ophthalmologist on Saturday warned parents that too much screen time can result in digital eyestrain, which can include burning, itchy, or tired eyes, headaches, and head and neck pain are other threats for children using screens too often and too long.

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 22nd Sep, 2018 ) :Specialist Ophthalmologist on Saturday warned parents that too much screen time can result in digital eyestrain, which can include burning, itchy, or tired eyes, headaches, and head and neck pain are other threats for children using screens too often and too long.

Talking to private news channel, specialist Umer Sohail explained, with the popularity of video games and online activities, dry eye is becoming increasingly prevalent in children and teens glued to their screens. The condition can cause permanent eye damage.

"The problem with screen time is it actually has some pretty significant side effects on our eyes particularly kids' eyes," he said.

He said that children are exposed to screens for longer amounts of time than ever before. This widespread access to smart phones, tablets, games consoles, TVs and laptops is causing concern amongst doctors internationally.

Doctor said that computer vision syndrome is the visual discomfort you or your kids experience after watching tv or using your gadgets for an extended time. Your eyes may feel sore, heavy and tired. This may also be accompanied by headaches, nausea and dry eyes.

Umer Sohail said beyond correcting any vision problems, proper eye wear should only serve to enhance your child's safety that means parents need to keep an eye out for any aspects of glasses or contacts that may pose additional hazards.

Parents should stay alert to subtle cues, too, such as making sure there's no white in the pupil of a child's eye. Experts say children are developing it because they aren't blinking enough while glued to their devices, he added.

"These behaviors can cause damage to the cells of the eyes which are important for avoiding dry eye disease," he mentioned.

He suggested moderation is key when it comes to how much time a child spends looking at a small screen. "Take breaks about every twenty minutes or so," Dr said. "Try to focus on something kind of far away in the room. Blink your eyes a few times before going back to the activity that they're doing." Current recommendations say children between ages 2 and 5 should limit their screen time to one hour per day. For children 6 and over, they should use screens in moderation.

He says, "it's becoming more clear that increased use of devices, as well as just increased reading, potentially at close proximity, without some regular break intervals, could lead to that increase."Expert recommended encourage children to adopt good posture when using technology and to keep anything with a screen about 18 to 24 inches away from their eyes.

Remind them to blink when looking at a screen and don't allow them to use computers in brightly lit areas to help protect against eye strain, he concluded.