01 September,2021 07:39 AM IST | Mumbai | Somita Pal
Doctors say kids’ eyes must be checked regularly. Representation pic
The increased screen time due to online classes in the pandemic has led to an increase in eye-related problems among school-going children, say eye specialists. Doctors say the prolonged hours in front of the screen have resulted in more cases of the onset and progression of myopia (near-sightedness) and squint (the eyes look in different directions) among other eye-related problems.
"We have seen an increase in myopia cases during the pandemic. I have observed an almost 30% increase in such cases during this pandemic," said Dr Sagar Kataria, ophthalmologist, Wockhardt Hospital, Mumbai Central. He said there is an equal proportion of rise in other eye complaints like eye pain, fatigue, asthenopia (eye strain), inability to sit before computers for long hours, dryness, redness and irritation even in the adult population.
Dr Akshata Oswal, eye expert and ophthalmologist, Apollo Spectra said, "Overuse of electronic gadgets such as computers, laptops, and mobiles has invited eye conditions like squint and myopia. Myopia incidences increased during the pandemic. There is as much as a 10 % to 20 % surge in myopia cases." She said on a daily basis, 6 per cent to 7 per cent of the eye problem cases they get are children with myopia complaints.
While online classes cannot be avoided, Dr Oswal said parents need to take care of their children and make sure not to ignore any eye problem. "It is imperative for children to take frequent breaks during online schooling or classes, reduce screen time, go for regular eye check-ups to keep the vision intact, eat a well-balanced diet, and do eye exercises as recommended by experts," said Dr Oswal.
Dr Nikhil Sardar, senior consultant, ophthalmology at Nanavati Super Speciality Hospital, said he has seen a 30% rise in cases of eye problems in children. "The eye gets tired if you use the screen for more than 30-40 minutes continuously." Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) caused by focusing the eyes on any device's screen for prolonged periods is another major ophthalmological complication in children, said Dr Sardar. "CVS causes dryness of the eyes due to continual staring at the screen and leads to reduced blink rate. The children may face premature retinal degeneration (blurred or no vision in the center of the visual field), 20-30 years in future due to the continuous back light exposure to their eyes," he added.
Dr Sardar advised parents to not let their children be exposed to mobile, video game use or computer screens for more than 45 minutes on an everyday basis. "They may also use eye drops or lubricants, after consulting with their physicians, to soothe the eye. And as a responsible parent, perform regular eye examinations for your children from a certified ophthalmologist every six months," he said.
Dr A Sanjana, ophthalmologist at Dr LH Hiranandani Hospital said, "Screen based media, playing video games, watching television have become the go to activities for the majority of children today. Dry eyes are very common due to reduced blink rate while concentrating on a screen. Apart from this, a phenomenon called spasm of accommodation causing blurring of vision also happens frequently."
While parents are permitting kids to use the screen more for online schooling, she said, "Screen time has to be limited and children should be encouraged to play some indoor board games, read books, draw, paint, craft, etc. Playing outside, cycling in sunlight will be very beneficial for their well-being. Encourage kids to eat healthy - veggies like greens, carrots, fruits, nuts. Sleep hours should be regular and avoiding screens before sleeping helps while doing online studies."
Dr Sanjana also said whenever children get a break between classes, they should look away from the screen. "The computer should be positioned slightly below eye level. Font size and contrast should be proper and background lighting adequate."
