Almost every moment of daily life with a digital screen becomes part of every moment, especially children, doctors and researchers taking precautions about a calm but increasing danger for our vision: the ability to cause digital eye stress and long -term damage.

In Delhi, Dr. Darshan Eye Hospitals co-founder and Medical Director Dr. Kamal b. Kapoor says that the problem is not how many hours of spending children or adults are spending in front of the screen, but how long the eyes have been made to focus without enough comfort.

Dr. Says Kapur, “There is no one-sided-all number when there is no talk of screen time, but to take any exposure beyond the eyes beyond two hours without a break, to toll the eyes on the eyes, especially for children,” Dr. Says Kapoor.

Children, they explain, often do not clearly communicate their discomfort. Instead, they rub their eyes repeatedly, take excessive naps, or keep the screen very close.

Over time, these subtle signs develop in more severe symptoms such as headache, blurred vision, and a burning sensation in the eyes.

This condition, medical vision syndrome or digital eye strain, is rapidly common. According to a review of 2022 published in ophthalmology and medicine, digital eye strain affects between 25% to 93% of screen users, including children reporting similar symptoms to adults, including itching, eye fatigue and difficulty in focusing.

A related study in BMC ophthalology conducted among school children found that almost one-third of regular visual discomfort was experienced during prolonged online learning sessions. These symptoms are the result of constant close-focus effort, low blinking, poor asanas and insufficient lighting, all factors that are sharp with prolonged screen use.

Another region of anxiety is an increase in childhood myopia, or close vision of childhood.

A meta-analysis in the JAMA Network Open published this year found that myopia risk increased by about 21%during the screen time of each additional hour per day.

Dr. Kapoor noted that developing eyes require variety and distance to grow properly. “Constant close-up focus, such as what happens to the screen, does not allow the eye muscles to relax or shift, which can give rise to refractive errors over time,” they say.

While many people turn into blue light filters and night mode as a solution, Dr. Kapoor says that the science behind these solutions is still developing.

“This is one of the most common questions that I get from my parents: ‘Do you actually work blue light filters?” The truth is that they can help reduce some dazzling and eye stress, they are not an option for healthy visual habits. ,

Research supports their approach. A 2011 study suggested that blue lights can affect melatonin production and disrupt sleep, especially in children, the content and emotional stimulation seen from the screen often plays a big role in the delay in the onset of sleep.

Dr. Kapoor emphasized the importance of practical, daily habits on gimmick. He recommends that everyone, especially children, follow the 20-20-20 rule: The use of every 20 minute screen should be done at least 20 feet away after 20 seconds.

He also recommends to ensure that the screen is at the level of the eye, the rooms are burnt properly, and that the individuals maintain a good posture. External activity, he highlights, is equally important for eye development.

“Natural light has a protective effect. Children who spend at least one to two hours a day show low vision complaints over time,” they say.

Dr. Kapoor’s message is clear: Do not wait for the symptoms to appear before taking action. Even in the absence of complaints, the annual eye check, initial detection and prevention are required.

“Being active is always better than improving later. Some small changes in the daily routine can protect the vision of a child for life,” they say.

In an era where screens are unavoidable, cultivation of mindful screen habits can lead to a difference between a lifetime healthy vision and stopping problems.