The COVID-19 pandemic has come with many challenges, especially affecting our eye-sights due to prolonged screen times. We have been simply switching from TV to Mobile to laptop all day, for the past six months now. The online classes have added to it and many eyes-sight related problems are being seen in children.
What is the recommended Screen Time
Dr. Manju Bhate, MBBS DNB (Ophthalmology), Consultant Paediatric Ophthalmologist at L. V. Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad says, “That really depends on the age of the child and also if they have any refractive error like myopia. With the COVID-19 pandemic, educational institutions have had to resort to online teaching. The guidelines we recommend at the L. V. Prasad Eye Institute for online classes are:
- For 4-6 years kids, up to 90 mins with at least one break
- For 7-12 years kids, 3 to 4 hours max with 2-3 breaks in between
- For 12-16 years old, 6 to 8 hours with 5 to 6 breaks in between. One of the breaks for an hour or more.
Having said that, the child must be seated with the screen at least an arm's length away and with good illumination in the room.”
But why is it important to limit screen time?
Dr. Manju explains that it can cause:
- Increase in the risk of short-sightedness or myopia in children
- Progression of myopia (rapid increase in the spectacle power)
- Stress and anxiety
- Behavioral issues
- Loss of social skills
- Disturbance in their sleep pattern as well
Here are some tips as suggested by Dr. Manju:
- Children who have been advised or are wearing glasses should use them regularly.
- Parents and teachers should ideally give frequent breaks. We recommend the 20-20-20 rule, i.e. take a 20 seconds break, every 20 minutes and look at something 20 feet away.
- Parents themselves can be role models by not using the mobile frequently in front of the child, other than for necessary work.
- They can engage their kid in different recreational activities like board games or other physical activities in the house too.
- Other than the necessary school/educational activities in current times, screen time can be limited for most of the other reasons.
- In addition, screen protectors can be used to adjust the glare.
- If possible, do some physical activity or movements in between the classes.
- Ensure that the kid has a healthy and balanced meal every day.
The parents need to be stricter and make sure the kids are not always engrossed in mobile phones. Encourage other physical activities and you can also involve them in household chores. Therefore, all these tips and a proper routine will ensure healthy eyes.
