Myopia Alert during COVID-19

Digital devices and Eyes

self compiled collage

As the war against 𝗖𝗢𝗩𝗜𝗗-𝟭𝟵 is rising, we may be bidding farewell to time outdoors, saying hello to spending more time indoors leading to screen time including children.

As the field outside are emptied/vacated, the visual field gets restricted to/within the four walls.

For children who are just as much affected by this as adults are, their daily average screen time has increase. Classes are beginning to migrate online, they are finding entertainment literally at their fingertips, and communication with their classmates, friends, and teachers are done via social networking platforms.

Moreover, when children use their devices they tend to use it at a closer distance eventually leading the eye to lose its flexibility to focus properly unless the object of its focus is at near. This can cause nearsightedness/shortsightedness (myopia) and explains why some children are unable to see objects at far distance clearly.

Possible symptoms:

• Blurred vision while looking at distance objects
• Need to partially close/squeezing eyes to see clearly
• Frequent headaches due to eye strain
• Need to sit closer to TV, screen or blackboard
• Blinking and squeezing the eyes excessively
• Holding book/screen close while reading

Even if your child is already myopic, using spectacles and contact lenses, due to increase in screen time and excessive near work, the already existing myopia can worsen.

Caring for the eyes need not be expensive. But it has to start from a young age, beginning at home.

Here are some daily eye care habits to practice at home:

1. Keep and maintain sufficient illumination — for the device as well as the room.

2. Encourage your child to take breaks while doing near work.

3. Games played on digital devices should be treated like a dessert — to be had in moderation. Rather parents should encourage child to play board games and indoor games including physical activities.

4. Any reading material should not be held too close to eye.

Along with 𝗖𝗢𝗩𝗜𝗗-𝟭𝟵 𝗣𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗰 let’s fight this silent 𝗠𝘆𝗼𝗽𝗶𝗮 𝗚𝗹𝗼𝗯𝗮𝗹 𝗘𝗽𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗰 too

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