Saturday, 08 July 2023 | PNS | DEHRADUN
Increased screen time among children has become a major concern for the health of their eyes. Using digital devices like smartphones, tablets and laptops can result in various eye problems. Experts and parents state that increased screen time among children is the new lifestyle since the Covid-19 pandemic. Long screen time can potentially harm their visual development. Parents are responsible for not limiting the screen timing of the children, stated ophthalmologist Dr Sushil Ojha.
Parent Sushma Grewal said, “I have a son who is eight-years-old and has a major phone addiction. I can say he spends seven to nine hours on the phone. His increased screen time has become a matter of concern for me.” She further stated that the Covid pandemic resulted in the increased screen time among children.
Another parent Manisha said that she finds it difficult to handle the stubborn nature of her child. She said that the stubborn nature of my child forces me to hand over the phone to him.
Increased screen time can affect the visual development of children. Regarding this, Ojha said parents must ensure healthy screen timing for children. He said, “Screen time is the most common thing I have encountered in child patients. However, I can say the habit of using phones is a gift of Covid-19. Apart from this parents are responsible for the increased screen time among children. Dryness in the eyes is one of the most common problems I see in most children nowadays.”
He suggested that parents should teach their children healthy screen time habits. For good eyesight children must consume carrots, papaya and spinach in their diet, he added.
