Can excessive smartphone use lead to visual impairments and headaches?

Question

Hello doctor,

As a parent, I am concerned about my teenager's mental health and their extensive smartphone usage. Could you offer personalized guidance on fostering a healthy relationship with smartphones for adolescents, balancing the benefits and risks, and promoting positive mental health habits based on my child's individual needs and circumstances?

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Yes, excessive use of smartphones can disturb mental peace and disrupt the sleep cycle. Therefore, I would suggest not advising him to use the phone for extended periods. If he is using it for work purposes, then up to two to three hours a day is acceptable and should not cause any issues. However, exceeding that limit can lead to headaches, visual impairment, and sleep disturbances, as the screen itself is harmful to our eyes.

Additionally, smartphones can contribute to mental health issues, especially through short-term videos that may result in short-term memory loss. Watching such videos for an extended period can lead to quicker forgetfulness. Please maintain a healthy relationship with smartphones and avoid prolonged usage.

I hope I have answered your questions.

Thank you.