A side effect of screen time
Don’t Let Your Kids’ Future Be Blurred by Screens. There were many reasons to set a limit screen time for your child to ensure the safety of your child’s eyesight. Do you know how important outdoor playing is, the maintenance of healthy habits or sleep habits for eyesight? Studies explain that screen time affects the eyesight of people. Due to this, it was essential to know how to check screen time. In the present time, the scenario of society has changed for digitalization.
After the pandemic, it was seen that people spent more time on screen which affected their eyesight. Through studies, it was analyzed that in comparison with current time children spent more time on different digital screens like smartphones, computers, tablets or TV. Children for studies, gaming and other activities spend time on digital devices.
These days were gone when kids did not want to come home from the playground. However, in the present time, it was seen that the playgrounds were empty. Where are they now? For spending time on screen kids’ health was affected as physical activity was equally important for their growth. Through studies, it was seen that kids from 6 months to teens spend more than 7 hours on social media, video games or TV. These cause different problems like Eye fatigue, Blurry vision and dry eye-related issues.
What is Myopia?
Do you know the eye disorder that occurs among kids? It was Myopia in scientific terms. This was also known as nearsightedness. In this condition, people face issues with seeing distinct views and blurry views. However, have clear near vision. The main reason for this condition was overspending on screen. Due to this, it was essential to limit screen time. Additionally, it was essential to take breaks. It was helpful to overcome the issues regarding blurry symptoms. In this way, kids were able to focus on other items too which were helpful for eyesight.
Government data regarding children suffering from Myopia from using electronic gadgets
Are you well aware of the fact, aren’t you? In India large number of children were suffering from Myopia due to excessive use of electronic gadgets and screen time. According to government data it was
reported that during the last three years, the number of cases of myopia increased. Which government take different initiatives to control the increasing number of myopia cases among children. According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda, the National Programme for Control of Blindness (NPCB) collects all the data regarding this disease.
The data shows that in comparison with urban areas to rural areas the number of cases was high. As the kids of urban areas were able to access the digital gadgets more which shows that myopia cases were 5.7 per cent more over 15 years of child. For which the government of India through collaborating with NPCB and Rashtriya Bal Swasthy Karyakaram (RBSK) under the National Health Mission consider to take initiatives to protect children from Myopia screening school children for detecting refractive errors including myopia and by providing free spectacles.
Train school teachers to enhance awareness among school students regarding limiting screen time. It was essential to ensure the well-being of their eyesight. Training for eye surgeons and pediatric ophthalmology which were essential to enhance their skills. Therefore, through IEC activities the government further consider increasing awareness among parents as well as understanding the importance of outdoor playing for children and how to check screen time. Through this awareness campaign, it was possible to handle the issues which were occurring currently.
What other precautions parents can take?
Do you know how to check screen time? It was most crucial for your child’s vision. Due to this, it was essential for you to set some rules for them to monitor screen time and ensure that they take enough breaks. Along with this, it was essential for them to optimise screen settings which were essential for reducing eye strain. Through this process, you can able to adjust brightness and contrast. Moreover, taking a break every 20-30 minutes was helpful to reduce the stress of the eye. Additionally, proper sleep was essential for children to ensure eyesight. Parents are required to ensure that in their bedrooms children do not sleep with their digital devices like TVs, computers and smartphones.
Through studies, it was further expressed that before sleep exposure to blue light affects the quality of sleep which further increases the quality of eyesight. Additionally, exercise were workouts were also essential for the well-being of health. Due to this, it was essential to influence children who were more than 6 years old. Outdoor activities are further helpful for the children to work from different distances which supports them to spend time in natural sunlight which is helpful for the well-being of their eyesight.
Along with this diet is also important to maintain the eye health of the children. These were vitamin A, Vitamin C and Vitamin E or minerals that were essential to intake in the body. As it was essential for reducing oxidative stress which was beneficial to promote overall health. Doctors suggest consuming green vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, and spinach along with citrus fruits, berries, and bell peppers. Additionally, oysters, meat, and whole grains, fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and tuna were also beneficial for eyesight. By adding these foods to their diet the parents were able to offer enough nutrients to the child which supports them to maintain their eyesight.
In this aspect, it was reported that quality of diet works as a significant strategy like limit screen time or breaks in screenplay. However, along with this the medical professionals further suggest that regular eye examinations were helpful for the child to reduce risks of myopia. Additionally, through increasing awareness among children regarding screen time issues was possible to protect their eyesight.
FAQ
What is myopia?
Myopia, or nearsightedness, is an eye condition where you can see objects close up clearly but have difficulty seeing objects far away.
How does excessive screen time contribute to myopia?
Studies suggest that prolonged exposure to screens can increase the risk of myopia, especially in children. This is due to the strain on the eyes from focusing on a screen at close range for extended periods.
What are the signs of myopia in children?
Signs of myopia in children include squinting, frequent headaches, difficulty seeing objects from a distance, and holding objects close to their faces.
How can parents limit screen time for their children?
Parents can set specific screen time limits, encourage outdoor activities, establish screen-free zones, and lead by example by limiting their own screen time.
What other precautions can parents take to protect their children’s eyesight?
In addition to limiting screen time, parents can ensure their children have regular eye exams, maintain proper posture when using screens, and provide adequate lighting. They can also encourage a healthy diet and enough sleep, both of which contribute to overall eye health.