E-gadgets linked to myopia in children

Hyderabad: Imprudent use of e-gadgets like mobile phone, tab and play stations by children for more than eight hours a day has become a major cause for myopia, points outs Dr Prashanth Gupta, a senior ophthalmologist at Apollo Hospitals.

1. Seven out of 10 children being diagnosed with sight issues every month in city hospitals
2. The pixels of light increase temperature in eyes and this heat affects retina and causes sight issues, especially, in age group of 4 to 13
3. Cornea, retina and ocular systems of eye absorb electromagnetic energy quickly and get affected

The incidence of myopia is as high as 15 per cent in school-going children. Around 7 out of 10 children are being diagnosed with sight issues every month in the city hospitals. Apart from the issues related to sight, it is also leading to psychological issues due to addiction that leads to aggressive behaviour, change of body language and ignoring elders etc., shares Dr Purnima Nagaraja, a child psychologist.

Speaking to The Hans India, Dr Prashanth said, "The main reason for sight issues in kids is excessive usage of e-gadgets for a long duration. The pixels of the light increase the temperature in the eyes and this heat affects the retina and it causes sight issues, especially, in the age group of 4 to 13."

Dr Sirnivas, an ophthalmologist at Refracto Eye Hospital, said "The studies on cell phone radiation have shown that the electromagnetic waves affect the human eye. The cornea, retina and ocular systems of the eye absorb electromagnetic energy very quickly."

When a child is suffering from myopia, he should be kept under examination by ophthalmologist regularly. The diet should consist of green leafy vegetables and fruits and minimise the use of electronic gadgets, adds Dr Srinivas.

Dr Purnima Nagaraja, Mental health professional, Dhrithi Wellness clinic, said nowadays children were being addicted to electronic gadgets. It is detected when children show less interest in studies and also aggressiveness in behaviour.

According to a recent British study, a child of age 3 or 4 can easily download from the mobile phone before he or she learns to talk, she said. "I advise all parents to keep a check on their child activities and also motivate them to play outdoor games. Also decrease the brightness of the cell phone whenever using and also fix a limited duration," she cautioned.

A 7-year-old boy is so addicted to playing games on mobile phone that he lost interest in eating full meals. When his teacher complained that it had become difficult for him to see the blackboard, his mother took him to Dr Raman, an ophthalmologist at Raman's Hospital. The doctor said that he was suffering from myopia, said Rishitha, mother of the child.

Symptoms

1. Frequent rubbing of the eyes
2. Excessive blinking
3. Tearing
4. Tilting of the head or squinting when reading or watching TV
5. Headaches from eye strain
6. Complaining of eye tiredness or double vision