Act Now to Protect Your Child's Eyes

In today's digital age, children are exposed to screens from a very young age. Smartphones, tablets, and televisions are part of everyday life. While digital technology offers educational and entertainment benefits, excessive screen time poses significant risks to children's eye health.

Challenges Posed by Digital Screens:

Prolonged screen use can lead to digital eye strain, characterised by symptoms like dry eyes, irritation, headaches, blurred vision, and difficulty focusing. Early and sustained screen exposure may contribute to the rising prevalence of myopia (nearsightedness) among children globally. The screen time epidemic also disrupts sleep patterns, further affecting eye comfort and overall well-being.

Tips for Protecting Children's Eyes:

• Limit screen time daily and encourage regular breaks using the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds to relax the eyes.
• Maintain good posture: Ensure the child uses devices at eye level with supportive seating to reduce strain and maintain an appropriate distance from screens.
• Use natural light while reading and doing homework by sitting next to the window.
• Promote outdoor play for at least 1-2 hours daily; natural light supports healthy eye development and reduces the risk of nearsightedness.
• Use protective eyewear and sunglasses with 100% UV protection during outdoor activities and sports to prevent injuries and sun damage.
• Maintain hand hygiene: Teach your child the importance of good hygiene, including washing hands before touching the eyes to prevent the spread of infections. Discourage rubbing of eyes, as this increases irritation.
• Encourage healthy and nutritiousfood rich in vitamins, minerals, and Omega-3 found in dairy products, green leafy vegetables, nuts, fish, and eggs.

comprehensive eye examination can help identify and address any vision concerns early on. Early detection and treatment are crucial to preventing long-term eye problems.