What should be the screen time limit? 6 Symptoms of poor vision due to screen devices​

In our modern era, digital devices have become deeply ingrained in our daily lives. Yet, this dependence is not without its concerns. The more we immerse ourselves in screen time, the greater the likelihood of experiencing vision-related issues. Of particular concern is the widespread use of electronic devices among children, raising questions about the potential impact on their visual health. According to the World Health Organisation, nearly two billion people had myopia in 2010, and this number is expected to increase to 3.3 billion by 2030.

Dr. Siddharth Kesarwani, JNR Children Eye Care and Squint Clinic, Mumbai says,“Over the last few decades, the prevalence of myopia or nearsightedness has increased, coinciding with the increased use of digital devices. The connection between screen time and myopia development in children and teenagers is backed by increasing amounts of research, with a higher impact on children under three years, which is a critical stage of visual development.”

A recent publication has shed light on a connection between the amount of time spent using screens and an increased likelihood and severity of myopia, commonly known as short-sightedness, in children and young adults. The research encompassed an extensive analysis of over 3,000 studies that explored the correlation between smart device usage and myopia in individuals aged from 3 months to 33 years.
Upon meticulous examination and statistical synthesis of the available data, the researchers unveiled a notable finding: prolonged exposure to smart device screens, such as mobile phones, was found to be associated with an approximately 30% higher risk of developing myopia. Furthermore, when excessive computer use was combined with extensive screen time, the risk escalated to approximately 80%.

Common signs and symptoms of nearsightedness include:
Blurry vision when trying to see objects that are far away.
The need to squint or partially close the eyelids in order to see distant objects clearly.
Experience frequent headaches.
Feel eye strain, particularly after prolonged periods of focusing on distant objects.
“In the case of children, they may have trouble seeing information on whiteboards or projected screens in the classroom. Younger children may not explicitly express difficulty seeing, but they may exhibit behaviours such as persistent squinting, seeming unaware of distant objects, excessive blinking, frequent eye rubbing, or sitting close to the television,” says Dr. Kesarwani.
Adults with nearsightedness may find it challenging to read street signs or signs in stores. Some individuals may also experience blurry vision in low-light conditions, such as during nighttime driving, even if their vision is clear during daylight. This particular condition is referred to as night myopia.

In today's digital age, it can be difficult to avoid screen time, especially when it comes to work, school, and staying connected with friends through social media and texting. Adults should aim to keep their daily screen usage to eight hours for work and two hours for leisure. However, experts in child development have expressed concern about the number of hours that young children spend on digital devices.
According to Dr. Kesarwani, “The recommended screen time for toddlers is limited to educational programs with a caregiver present. Children between the ages of 2 and 5 years old should have less than an hour of screen time on weekdays and up to three hours on weekends. For children 6 years and older, it is advised to balance screen time with healthy habits and routines. The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry also suggests avoiding screens during family meals and outings, keeping electronic devices out of the bedroom, and turning off screens at least 30 minutes before bedtime.”

“Embracing technology is inevitable in the current era, but implementing these strategies and recommendations can significantly contribute to maintaining the eye health of your tech-savvy child for years to come. It's also crucial to schedule annual eye exams to ensure that your child's eyes are healthy and functioning well,” advises Dr. Kesarwani.