In today’s digital age, children are spending more time on screens than ever before, raising concerns about digital eye strain. While completely removing digital devices from their lives may not be feasible, experts here have called for the steps that can be taken to reduce their impact which if ignored can cause an explosive myopic crisis.
By striking a balance between screen time and outdoor activities, we can help protect their vision and promote overall eye health, said health experts here on the second day of the third ‘Illness to Wellness’ Summit organized by the ASSOCHAM Foundation for CSR, under the aegis of the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM).
“With nearly 50 percent of the population expected to develop near-sightedness, we are facing an explosive myopia crisis. In today’s digital age, computer vision syndrome is a growing concern, with its effects falling into three key categories. First, reduced or ineffective blinking leads to ocular surface issues such as dryness, burning, and eye fatigue. Second, prolonged screen time strains our ability to shift focus between near and distant objects causing focusing difficulties.
“Third, poor posture contributes to neck and head strain, adding to overall discomfort. Together, these symptoms define digital eye strain, a pressing concern in today’s screen-dominated world,” said, Padma Shri Dr. (Prof.) A. K. Grover, Chairman, Vision Eye Centres & Sr. Consultant, Department of Ophthalmology, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital (SGRH), Delhi.
Highlighting the issue of myopia amongst children, Dr. Anuj Mehta, Professor & HOD, Ophthalmology, VMMC & Safdarjung Hospital, Union Health Ministry said, “Digital eye strain is becoming a significant concern, especially among children. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the screen time of children increased dramatically as they shifted to online learning through tablets and laptops. At the same time, outdoor activities were almost completely eliminated.
“This had a major impact on their eye health. 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.”
On the rise of refractive errors as a major concern, Dr. (Brig) Vijay Mathur, Consultant, Sharp Sight Eye Hospitals said, “Youngsters and millennials today spend 10 to 14 hours a day on digital screens, leading to a rise in eye strain, headaches, fatigue, double vision, and blurred vision. Even minor refractive errors, which might have been insignificant before, are now becoming major concerns. Even more alarming is the shift in myopia progression. Previously, it was believed that refractive power stabilized around 18-19 years of age. However, in today’s digital era, we are witnessing continued progression well into young adulthood, between 20 and 30 years of age.”
Dr. Kirti Singh, Director Professor, Guru Nanak Eye Centre, Maulana Azad Medical College, Delhi said, “No matter which digital screen we use, whether a computer, laptop, or smartphone, these devices demand our constant attention. When we focus intensely on screens, our blinking rate decreases, 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. But 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.”
They also highlighted the 20-20-20 rule that 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. Consistently following these habits can significantly reduce digital eye strain.
Anil Rajput, Chairperson, ASSOCHAM National CSR Council, earlier in his address elaborated on the business chamber’s campaign ‘illness to wellness journey’, which he said had organised an inter-school drawing competition on crucial themes of air pollution and its impact on health and the environment, as well as on the importance of health and hygiene.
Talking about kidney disease in children and its connection with high BP, (Padma Shri) Dr. Sanjeev Bagai, Sr. Consultant & Chairman (Pediatrician), Nephron Clinic said, “It is important to detect kidney infections early in children as their warning signals are very subtle and hidden. For instance, if a child complains of frequent headaches, their blood pressure (BP) should be checked, as high BP can be an early indicator of kidney issues.
“As a preventive measure, it is essential that all children undergo a routine blood pressure check at least once a year. Other indicators of kidney dysfunction in children are a decline in growth, abdominal pain, and swelling in the limbs. Additionally, parents should be cautious about administering medications at home without proper medical guidance as their irrational use, particularly antibiotics, can cause significant damage to infant kidneys.”
Emphasising the importance of blood pressure checks for kidney health, Dr. D. Bhowmik, Professor & Head, Department of Nephrology, AIIMS, Union Health Ministry said, “Most people believe that blood pressure is controlled by the heart, but in reality, the heart is the pump functioning as per the direction given by the kidney. The kidney produces a hormone called renin, which regulates blood pressure. If something goes wrong with this system, it can lead to serious problems.”