By Adam Colley
In today’s digital age screens have become an integral part of children’s lives. From entertainment to education, tablets, smartphones, and computers have increased. While devices offer convenience and endless learning opportunities, growing concerns have emerged about their impact on children’s vision. To make a deeper sense of the impact of this phenomenon, we interviewed Dr Agha Kyrian, an optometrist at Apex Optics. He affirmed that too much screen time can affect children’s vision. The most common problems are eye strain, dry eyes, and blurry vision, he warned. He sad children may also complain about headaches or having trouble focusing, and affect their sleep. Dr. Kyrian advised parents to set time limits for screens, encourage outdoor play, make sure screens are used in good lighting and remind children to follow the 20-20-20 rule and adjust screen settings to reduce eye strain. “Also, make sure kids blink often and adjusting the screen’s brightness can help. “Signs of vision problems can start as early as preschool age, around 3 to 5 years old, but it can vary depending on how much screen time the child is exposed to,” he added.
Medical impact: He stressed that children may develop nearsightedness (myopia), making it hard for them to see things far away; that studies show that too much screen time, especially without breaks, can increase the risk of this problem. The Optometrist clarified that while screen time can cause discomfort and temporary issues like eye strain, it usually does not lead to permanent damage.
Benefits: Dr. Kyrian said screens can be beneficial for learning new skills, creativity, and staying connected with others. He said educational content and interactive games can help with cognitive development. He however pointed out the need for balance in avoiding eye problems. He cited the World Health Organization (WHO), which indicated that for children under 2 years old it is best to avoid screen time except for video chatting with family or friends. For Children aged 2 to 4 years, screen time should be limited to one hour per day. “For children aged 5 years and older WHO does not provide specific screen time limits for older children but emphasises the importance of balancing screen use with physical activity, sleep, and other health-related behaviors. Other health bodies, like the American Academy of Pediatrics, suggest limiting recreational screen time to no more than 2 hours per day for children aged 5 and older.
Regular eye exams are important because some vision problems don’t show clear signs. Eye doctors can catch issues early and help prevent them from getting worse. Recent studies show a link between excessive screen time and an increase in nearsightedness in children. Research is also exploring how reduced outdoor time and increased close-up activities, like using screens, can worsen vision problems in kids.
Actions Safeguarding children from the negative effects of excessive screen time demands a proactive and unified approach from parents, educators, and policymakers. Parents are the first line of defense, responsible for setting boundaries and fostering healthy habits. Educators can complement this by integrating purposeful, limited screen use into learning while promoting offline activities and critical thinking. Together, these efforts create an environment where children can benefit from technology without it hindering their physical, emotional, or social development. By striking a balance, we can ensure that screens enhance their lives, equipping them with the skills to navigate a digital world responsibly while still embracing the joys of childhood beyond the screen.
