School children stare at 'myopic pandemic'

Hyderabad: Health experts are advising "digital distancing" or else there will be "myopic pandemic" as educational institutions are switching to online mode of classes all across the country in corona pandemic with Telangana no exception.

The average screen time that a child is spending on computers, laptops, mobiles and tablets each day is set to go up considerably as schools and colleges have started online classes already.

Staring at monitors and digital screens for hours together have an effect on the eyes of children. Computer vision syndrome and myopia (short-sightedness), frequent rubbing of eyes, swelling near eyes, tiredness, attention deficit disorder and communication problems, headache, squinting of eyes, blurred vision are some of the health issues kids will encounter if due precautions are not taken.

Superintendent of the state-run Sarojini Devi Eye Hospital Dr V Rajalingam said that myopic and irritation in eyes is the most common problem seen in growing up kids. He prescribes reduced screen time with a break every 45 minutes to one hour, frequent blinking of eyes, following 20-20-20 rule (taking eyes off screen after 20 minutes and looking at objects 20 feet away for 20 secs) etc.

Dr Rajalingam also advised school teachers, who are taking online classes, to remind students about the importance of eye health and doing simple activities mentioned above.

Dr Nitish Narayen, senior cataract and lasik surgeon at Winvision eye hospital in city stressed the need for parents to get eye check-up for kids every 6 months now that they are spending more time on digital devices.

" Earlier children used to complain that they could not see black board in classrooms properly and parents used to get them for eye consultations. Now as they are using electronic gadgets, which they hold in their hands and nearer to their eyes, children won't complain of not seeing things properly. However, parents should get eye check-up done for their children and if there is any myopia problem it could be addressed early," Dr Nitish said, adding that 20 blinks per minute is good for the eye health of children.