Increased screen time raises eye health concerns in India

Screen time is increasing, raising concerns about eye health, particularly for children. Experts warn about the effects of prolonged screen use, known as digital eye strain. Symptoms include dry eyes, headaches, blurred vision, eye fatigue, and neck pain. Doctors Dr. Varshini Shanker and Dr. Sumedha Sharma highlight the importance of recognizing these symptoms early. Many children are showing signs of severe eye strain. Taking breaks from screens and using lubricant eye drops can help. The doctors suggest practical tips to reduce eye strain. They recommend the 20-20-20 rule: every 20-30 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Regular movement and proper screen setup are crucial too. Optimizing workspace settings can minimize neck and eye strain. To maintain eye health, staying hydrated and eating a balanced diet is important. Spending time outdoors can help prevent myopia, or near-sightedness, which is on the rise. Children should get 1-2 hours of outdoor activity daily. The effects of blue light from screens are still being studied. While it may disrupt sleep, there's no clear evidence it causes long-term damage. However, blue light filters can help some individuals. Experts urge a holistic approach to eye care. This includes protecting eyes from UV rays, exercising, managing stress, and having regular eye exams. With increasing screen time and urbanization, eye health concerns in India are growing, particularly with conditions like diabetic retinopathy and dry eye disease.