How smartphones screens affects your kid’s eyes.

There are many different ways to use digital devices for learning, homework, and enjoyment, including using laptops, computers, tablets, and portable smartphones.

Studies show that children can benefit from screen time if it is balanced with non-screen activities. Parents are concerned about excessive screen time since it can affect the development of healthy vision as well as physical and mental health effects. By the time they are in preschool, children who are exposed to screens before the age of three are more likely to have myopia.

However, the prolonged exposure of smartphone screens to children has raised concerns about its impact on their eye health. As kids increasingly engage with these devices, it’s essential for parents and guardians to understand the potential risks and how to mitigate them.

WHO directive-.

The World Health Organization has produced guidelines on physical activity for children aged 5 and older and adults, but not on screen time. This recommendation becomes more complex for school-aged children, as screens are increasingly used in formal education settings. Therefore, it is important to limit screen time that is solely for entertainment.

When parents monitor their children’s digital access and families pay attention to their media consumption at home, the amount of screen time decreases along with positive improvements in sleep and academic performance.

Understanding the impact of smart screens:

Smartphone screens emit blue light,Yu a high-energy visible (HEV) light that can penetrate deeper into the eye than other forms of light. While the human eye can filter some of this light, prolonged exposure to blue light can lead to several eye issues, particularly for children whose eyes are still developing.

Asthenopia can be caused by overuse of the eye, for example during a period of prolonged focus on a screen. Any glare on the screen can further strain the eyes. Children with eye fatigue may complain of headaches, eye pain, or feeling tired, headaches. They may lose interest in tasks such as reading.

Myopia, sometimes referred to as nearsightedness or shortsightedness, is an eye disorder that results in blurred far vision.

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1. Digital Eye Strain (Computer Vision Syndrome)One of the most common effects of prolonged smartphone use is digital eye strain, also known as computer vision syndrome (CVS). Children who spend hours looking at their phones may experience symptoms such as: Dry eyes, Blurred vision, Headaches, Neck and shoulder pain.

This happens because staring at a screen for extended periods reduces the frequency of blinking, leading to less moisture on the eyes and more strain.

2. Blue Light and Its Potential Long-Term Effects: Smartphone screens emit significant amounts of blue light, which is associated with potential long-term eye damage. Though research is still ongoing, some studies suggest that extended exposure to blue light may contribute to the early onset of macular degeneration.

The retina, which is crucial for sharp vision, can be affected by too much exposure to this high-energy light.For children, whose eyes are more sensitive and still developing, the risks could be even greater.

The lens and cornea in young children’s eyes do not filter blue light as effectively as adults, making them more susceptible to its harmful effects.

3. Disrupted Sleep Patterns: Blue light also interferes with the production of melatonin, the hormone responsible for regulating sleep. If children use smartphones, particularly before bedtime, the blue light emitted from the screen can delay or disrupt their sleep cycle.

This disruption can lead to poor quality sleep, affecting their mood, concentration, and overall health.

How to protect your child’s eyes from smartphone damage

While completely eliminating screen time isn’t practical in the modern world, there are several strategies parents can use to minimize the risk to their child’s eyes.

1. Implement the 20-20-20 Rule:- Encourage your child to take a break every 20 minutes of screen time. After 20 minutes, they should look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.

This simple exercise helps to reduce eye strain and fatigue.

2. Limit Screen Time:- Setting a reasonable limit on screen time is one of the most effective ways to protect your child’s eyes. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children aged 2 to 5 have no more than one hour of screen time per day.

For older children, it’s essential to balance screen time with other activities, including outdoor play.

3. Use Blue Light Filters:- Many smartphones come with built-in blue light filters or night mode settings. These settings reduce the amount of blue light emitted by the screen, making it safer for the eyes.

Parents can also invest in blue light-blocking screen protectors or glasses that help to filter out harmful light.

4. Encourage Outdoor Activities:- Promote outdoor activities, such as sports, cycling, or simply walking in the park. Studies show that spending time outside helps reduce the risk of developing myopia and supports healthy eye development.

Outdoor light is essential for proper eye health and can counterbalance the negative effects of screen time.

5. Eye Health Checkups:- Regular eye exams are crucial for detecting early signs of eye strain or other potential vision problems.

Pediatric optometrists can provide advice tailored to your child’s specific needs and suggest the best course of action if any problems arise

Conclusion.

Smartphone screens undoubtedly play a significant role in children’s lives, providing both entertainment and educational content. Bhe potential risks to eye health should not be underestimated. By understanding the impact of screen time on a child’s eyes and implementing effective strategies to limit exposure, parents can help safeguard their child’s vision for the future.

Ensuring balanced screen time, encouraging outdoor play, and using protective measures like blue light filters can significantly reduce the adverse effects of smartphones on children’s eye health.

Click here to download Applatch Kids on Appstore, Amazon Appstore and Google Playstore.


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