Author: Dr. Asha Anne Jacob (Consultant Ophthalmologist –  Wellkins Medical Centre)

This generation of children is immersed in a digital world, exposed to computer and cell phone screens like no generation before. Parents frequently use gadgets to calm restless kids, encourage them to eat, or often from a sense of guilt due to busy work and leisure schedules that limit quality time. While screens offer undeniable convenience and educational opportunities, the profound and often negative impact on developing eyes is a growing public health concern that Wellkins Medical Centre takes very seriously.

We are witnessing an alarming epidemic of myopia, or short sightedness, amongst young children worldwide, progressing at a rate that demands immediate attention. Protecting our children’s vision is paramount for their future learning, academic performance, social development and overall well-being. This requires a proactive, informed approach from every parent and caregiver.

“The condition is caused by the repetitive focusing required for near-screen use, reduced “blinking rates and exposure to short-wavelength blue light. These factors contribute to symptoms like eye fatigue, dry eyes, and potential sleep disruption. The main solution is proactive prevention through strict limitations on screen time, ensuring appropriate viewing distances, using blue light filters or apps and, crucially, encouraging regular non-digital play and outdoor time to promote healthy visual development and resting the focusing muscles. Early guidance for parents and consistent adherence to screen limits are essential for safeguarding long-term visual health and comfort.”

The Digital Dilemma: Recommended Screen Time Guidelines

Excessive screen time, particularly on small, handheld devices, places significant and unnatural strain on young, developing eyes, which are still learning how to focus and adapt. Adhering to these expert-backed guidelines, endorsed by major pediatric and ophthalmological associations, is crucial:

Infants (Under 18 Months): Screen use should be strictly limited to video calling with distant family members (grandparents, relatives) to foster emotional connection. No other passive or active screen time is recommended, as it offers little developmental benefit and can displace crucial sensory exploration.

Toddlers (18-24 Months): Screen time should be minimal, of high quality and limited to necessary educational content, always viewed with a parent or caregiver for interactive engagement. The focus should be on verbal interaction, not just passive viewing.

Preschoolers (2-5 Years Old): Sedentary screen time should be capped at no more than 30-60 minutes per day. Prioritize hands-on interactive play, reading physical books, creative activities and ample physical activity.

Children (Aged 6 and Older): It is recommended to limit recreational (non educational, non-homework related) screen time to one to two hours a day. Encourage them to prioritize hobbies, organized sports, free play outdoors and reading physical books for pleasure.

Myopia Epidemic: The Outdoor Prescription

The alarming global rise in myopia is directly linked to two primary modern lifestyle factors: decreased outdoor time and increased close-up, sustained visual work. For children, especially those with one or both parents being myopic (short-sighted), it is absolutely vital that they spend at least 2 hours a day playing outdoors in the abundant natural sunlight we are blessed with in Qatar.

The ample outdoor time is profoundly important. Since natural sunlight exposure, specifically bright light, helps regulate eye growth and development by stimulating dopamine release in the retina. This acts as a powerful protective factor against the development and progression of myopia, reducing eye strain from continuous close-up focus.

Screen Size, Distance and Posture: Minimizing the Harm

Even when children do use gadgets for educational or supervised recreational purposes, how they use them significantly impacts the stress placed on their eyes and developing musculoskeletal system.

Screen Size Matters Immensely: The smaller the gadget, the more harmful it is to the eyes. Watching content on a larger screen, viewed from an appropriate distance, is significantly better for their developing vision:

• A television screen is better than a laptop.
• A laptop is better than a tablet.
• A tablet is vastly better than a cell phone.
• Encourage children to maintain a safe viewing distance – roughly an arm’s length for computer screens and further for televisions.

Correct Posture is Crucial: Children should sit upright, with their feet flat on the floor and maintain an appropriate distance and angle from the screen when reading or watching a gadget. They should not lie down on their back or tummy while viewing devices, as this forces the eyes into awkward angles, increases eye strain and can contribute to chronic neck and back problems.

Adequate Ambient Light: Always ensure there is enough ambient light in the room, ideally matching the brightness of the screen. Watching screens in a completely dark room creates a high contrast ratio between the bright screen and dark surroundings, which significantly stresses the eyes and can lead to digital eye strain.

The 20-20-20 Rule: A Simple Eye-Saving Practice

This easy-to-remember rule is a powerful tool to combat digital eye strain for both children and adults:

Spotting the Signs: When to Seek a Complete Eye Exam

Children often don’t complain about vision problems because they don’t know what “normal” vision looks like. They might assume their blurry world is how everyone sees. Parents and caregivers must therefore be vigilant observers.

Suspect a potential vision problem if your child is exhibiting any of these behaviors:

• Squinting or partially closing their eyes to see objects at a distance.
• Consistently going too close to the TV or holding books/devices very near their face.
• Shunning outdoor games or avoiding activities that require good distance vision or hand-eye coordination.
• Complaining frequently of headaches, eye fatigue, or burning/itchy eyes.
• Rubbing their eyes frequently or excessively.
• Tilting their head, covering one eye, or experiencing difficulties with reading or schoolwork.

If you notice any of these signs, your child should be sent for a complete and thorough eye exam with a pediatric ophthalmologist without delay.

Important reassurance for parents: Please do not hesitate. The child’s full cooperation or ability to read is not necessary for our specialized eye doctors to accurately assess their vision and prescribe correct spectacles. We utilize advanced diagnostic tools and child friendly techniques to precisely measure vision even in infants and very young children.

Beyond Myopia: Other Digital Eye Strain Issues

While myopia is a major concern, excessive screen time can also contribute to:

Digital Eye Strain (Computer Vision Syndrome): Symptoms include dry eyes, blurred vision, headaches and eye discomfort.

Dry Eyes: Reduced blinking while concentrating on screens can lead to dry, irritated eyes.

Sleep Disturbances: Blue light emitted from screens can interfere with melatonin production, disrupting natural sleep cycles, especially when devices are used close to bedtime.

Preserving Their Future for Better Vision

Neglecting children’s vision can have profound, long-term consequences, affecting their academic performance, social development, mental well-being and overall quality of life. At Wellkins Medical Centre, we are committed to safeguarding the precious vision of our future generation. Don’t delay! Let us not neglect seeking expert help for preserving the vision of our children. Schedule a complete eye exam for your child to ensure their eyes are healthy, protected and ready to explore the vast, vibrant world ahead.

To book an appointment at Wellkins Medical Centre: https://wellkins.com/visit