Impact of Digital Devices on Pediatric Eye Health

Introduction

Recent technological developments have resulted in an increased use of digital devices, especially among the younger generation. Most people are constantly connected to the internet and social media platforms. Devices such as smartphones, laptops, computers, tablets, and other digital devices have become staple inclusions in our daily lives. Even children spend most of their time watching digital gadgets, which can harm their brains and eyes. Parents or caregivers must frequently monitor their children’s activities and screen time to maintain ocular health and avoid eye problems in the future.

Why Is There an Increase in the Use of Digital Devices in Children?

Digital devices are on the rise globally, and most people have stopped using devices like clocks, watches, alarms, cameras, televisions, radios, etc. They are adapting to digital devices such as laptops and smartphones for daily routine activities. Research reveals that in the United States, children around eight to 12 years old spend almost four to five hours daily, and teenagers spend about seven to eight hours using digital screens. The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly impacted the use of technology and has also modified the education system. Children are used to staying indoors and enjoy watching their favorite shows or playing games on smartphones. Study material and homework are being sent through social media platforms, classes, and tuitions are being conducted online, and parents are forced to share their digital devices with their children. Some parents also give children their smartphones to avoid disturbances during household chores or office work. Many schools follow digital learning systems and have incorporated tablets and computers in classrooms. Hence, at a young age, children of this generation have become well-versed in using digital technology.

What Is the Impact of Digital Devices on Children’s Eyes?

Increased use of digital devices can be risky to the eyes, especially for children. Staring at the screen for a long time not only causes discomfort but may also cause permanent damage to the eyes. Some of the common eye problems associated with the excessive use of digital devices include:

• Eye Strain: Digital eye strain or computer vision syndrome (CVS) is becoming more common in children as they spend more time with smart gadgets, watching cartoons, playing video games, or attending online classes for a longer duration. Eyecare specialists recommend parents and teachers forcibly limit screen time in children to prevent future complications.

• Blue-Light Exposure: Digital devices emit blue light that can harm the eyes. Blue light from screens boosts mood, causes alertness, and signals the brain to be active. Prolonged exposure to smart devices, especially in the evenings or at night, slows the production of melatonin hormone and can disrupt the circadian rhythm (the body’s natural sleep cycle).

• Myopia: It is a common eye problem wherein near objects appear clear, whereas distant objects look blurry; it is also known as near-sightedness. Studies have reported that excessive use of smart devices can increase the risk of myopia by up to 80 percent, especially in children and teenagers. Children have the habit of holding smartphones or tablets very close to their eyes and constantly staring at the screen for a long duration. This can cause alterations in eye function, particularly in kids, as the eyes are still developing. Their brain and eyes try to accommodate the close vision comfortably, resulting in problems with distant vision. Myopia can cause long-term consequences such as retinal detachment, cataracts, and myopic macular myopathy.

• Blurred Vision: Staring at the blue screen for a long duration can affect the eyes' focus, resulting in ocular muscle spasms. Children may notice that when they watch the screen continuously for hours and later look away from it, everything appears blurred for some time.

• Dry Eyes: Children are used to watching digital screens without properly blinking their eyes; this can cause discomfort and a reduction in the moisture content, resulting in dry eyes. Studies have shown that lower blinking rates or incomplete blinks during prolonged exposure to gadgets can cause tear film evaporation and reduce eye lubrication, leading to dryness.

• Ergonomic Considerations: Appropriate ergonomics (designing the work area) prevents eye discomfort. Adjusting proper height, distance, and position while watching the digital screen helps reduce eye fatigue to a great extent. Also, it avoids long-term complications such as neck spasms, backache, etc.

How to Limit the Usage of Digital Devices in Children?

• Parents or caregivers should strictly limit screen time for children to less than two hours. It must be completely avoided in children below two years of age.

• Elders must encourage children to engage in outdoor activities, sports, cultural activities, physical exercises, and indoor games to promote media-free time.

• Children must be supervised to take regular breaks during online classes.

• Digital devices must be avoided during the night or at least one hour before bedtime.

• Children must be instructed to blink frequently and not to hold the device very close to their eyes.

• Smart devices must be restricted for all during mealtime.

• Elders must restrict their use of gadgets in front of children but rather interact with them by playing games, telling stories, exercising, gardening, etc., which can benefit their overall development.

• The 20-20-20 rule must be followed while using digital devices, which states that an individual must look away from the screen once every 20 minutes and focus on an object placed 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.

• Eye specialists can be consulted to learn vision-promoting exercises to maintain ocular health.

• According to scientific experts, digital devices must be placed at a distance from the eyes; for instance, laptops or desktops must be two feet away, smartphones must be up to one foot, and televisions should be around 10 feet from the eyes.

• Doctors recommend regular eye examinations at least once a year or more frequently in case of any concerns.

Conclusion

Technology continues to evolve and is associated with many benefits and certain drawbacks. Children are exposed to smart gadgets at a young age, and imposing restrictions is very challenging for elders. Parents and caregivers must understand the effects of excessive screen time and educate their children to use the digital world well. Therefore, it is necessary to implement certain restrictions as it is crucial to balance both the use of digital devices and maintain eye health.