Several renowned experts speaking at the ‘Illness to Wellness’ Summit organized by ASSOCHAM Foundation for CSR in New Delhi on March 24 agreed that completely eliminating digital devices from children’s lives is unrealistic. However, steps can be taken to minimize its impact of causing digital eye strain. They emphasized the importance of balance, encouraging more outdoor activities to strengthen long-distance vision. They also highlighted the 20-20-20 rule that is after 20 minutes of screen time, take a 20-second break by looking at an object 20 feet away and aim for at least 2 hours of outdoor activity daily as well. Consistently following these habits can significantly reduce digital eye strain.
How deep is the crisis?
Highlighting the issue of myopia amongst children, Dr. Anuj Mehta, Professor & HOD, Ophthalmology, VMMC & Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi says that Digital eye strain is becoming a significant concern, especially among children. “When children focus on screens for long periods, the eye muscles remain contracted. Over time, this prolonged strain contributes to the development of myopia (near-sightedness), particularly in young, pliable eyes.” He was speaking at the ‘Illness to Wellness’ Summit organized by ASSOCHAM Foundation for CSR in New Delhi on March 24.
On the rise of refractive errors as a major concern, Dr. (Brig) Vijay Mathur, Consultant, Sharp Sight Eye Hospitals said, “Youngsters and millennials today spend 10 to 14 hours a day on digital screens, leading to a rise in eye strain, headaches, fatigue, double vision, and blurred vision. Even minor refractive errors, which might have been insignificant before, are now becoming major concerns. Even more alarming is the shift in myopia progression. Previously, it was believed that refractive power stabilized around 18-19 years of age. However, in today’s digital era, we are witnessing continued progression well into young adulthood, between 20 and 30 years of age.”
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the screen time of children increased dramatically as they shifted to online learning through tablets and laptops. At the same time, outdoor activities were almost completely eliminated. This had a major impact on their eye health. When children focus on screens for long periods, the eye muscles remain contracted. Over time, this prolonged strain contributes to the development of myopia (near-sightedness), particularly in young, pliable eyes.
“With nearly 50 percent of the population expected to develop near-sightedness, we are facing an explosive myopia crisis. In today’s digital age, computer vision syndrome is a growing concern, with its effects falling into three key categories. First, reduced or ineffective blinking leads to ocular surface issues such as dryness, burning, and eye fatigue. Second, prolonged screen time strains our ability to shift focus between near and distant objects causing focusing difficulties. Third, poor posture contributes to neck and head strain, adding to overall discomfort. Together, these symptoms define digital eye strain, a pressing concern in today’s screen-dominated world,”said, Padma Shri Dr. (Prof.) A. K. Grover, Chairman, Vision Eye Centres & Sr. Consultant, Department of Ophthalmology, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital (SGRH), New Delhi.
Dr. Kirti Singh, Director Professor, Guru Nanak Eye Centre, Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi said, “No matter which digital screen we use, whether a computer, laptop, or smartphone, these devices demand our constant attention. When we focus intensely on screens, our blinking rate decreases, leading to dry eyes. This issue is even more pronounced in cramped spaces with poor ventilation, excessive air conditioning, or exposure to smoke – conditions often seen in ‘sick building syndrome. But the impact of digital strain isn’t limited to just the eyes. Our body functions as a connected system—eye health is linked to liver and heart health and kidney.”
Earlier a study and an OPD analysis conducted by All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Bhopal had revealed that 24.9 per cent of teeagers in the state of Madhya Pradesh were struggling with anxiety. It was highlighted that excessive screen time is leading to issues like delayed speech in younger children and irritability, obesity, and aggression in adolescents.
BP checkups in children?
Talking about kidney disease in children and its connection with high BP, (Padma Shri) Dr. Sanjeev Bagai, Sr. Consultant & Chairman (Pediatrician), Nephron Clinic said, “It is important to detect kidney infections early in children as their warning signals are very subtle and hidden. For instance, if a child complains of frequent headaches, their blood pressure (BP) should be checked, as high BP can be an early indicator of kidney issues. As a preventive measure, it is essential that all children undergo a routine blood pressure check at least once a year. Other indicators of kidney dysfunction in children is a decline in growth, abdominal pain, and swelling in the limbs. Additionally, parents should be cautious about administering medications at home without proper medical guidance as their irrational use, particularly antibiotics, can cause significant damage to infant kidneys.”
Emphasizing the importance of blood pressure checks for kidney health, Dr. D. Bhowmik, Professor & Head, Department of Nephrology, AIIMS, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, GoI said, “Most people believe that blood pressure is controlled by the heart, but in reality, the heart is the pump functioning as per the direction given by the kidney. The kidney produces a hormone called renin, which regulates blood pressure. If something goes wrong with this system, it can lead to serious problems.”
Excessive Earphone use
Last month, the health ministry, Govt of India issued a warning advising against the prolonged use of earphones and headphones, stating that these devices should not be used for more than two hours daily. If used for this duration, regular breaks should be taken to prevent hearing damage. In a letter to all states and union territories, director general of health services Dr. Atul Goel highlighted recent studies indicating that long-term exposure to loud music and other sounds through personal audio devices can cause irreversible hearing damage.
Dr. Goel warned that continuous unsafe use of earphones, headphones, or earplugs could lead to permanent hearing loss. “If unsafe use of earphones/headphones/earplugs is prolonged and persistent, this shift of hearing acuity can be permanent and result in permanent hearing loss. Certain individuals may also develop a persistent ear ringing or buzzing noise called tinnitus because of prolonged unsafe use,” he added.
The advisory pointed out that younger individuals face greater risks due to unsafe listening habits. The growing culture of online gaming further exposes children to high-decibel sound impulses, which could contribute to hearing issues.
Unnecessary use of devices such as earphones and headphones should be avoided. If necessary, it should be ensured that the sound level does not exceed 50 db. Use of these devices should be limited to two hours a day, and there should be regular intervals between uses. Persons who organise events in public places should ensure that the sound levels do not exceed 100 decibels.
