An ophthalmologist urges parents to limit screen time, as excessive use heightens children’s risk of myopia and eye strain.
DUBAI: As the new school year begins, Barraquer Eye Hospital UAE is raising urgent concerns about the impact of excessive screen use on children’s eyesight. With students spending increasing amounts of time on tablets, laptops, and smartphones, experts warn that prolonged exposure could trigger a rise in vision-related problems, including myopia and Computer Vision Syndrome.
A recent survey revealed that more than one-third of UAE children spend over seven hours daily on screens, well above World Health Organization recommendations. According to a 2023 global study of 335,000 children, every extra hour of screen time raises the risk of myopia by 21%, with risks nearly doubling after four hours of daily use.
“This is not just about blurred vision,” explained Dr. Alina Mugnani Deza, Specialist Ophthalmologist at Barraquer Eye Hospital UAE. “Childhood myopia can progress quickly, increasing the risk of severe eye disease later in life. Parents must take proactive steps to protect their children’s eyes.”
In addition to myopia, prolonged device use exposes children to high-energy blue light, which may cause eye strain, sleep disruption, and potentially long-term retinal issues. Symptoms of Computer Vision Syndrome—such as dry eyes, headaches, and blurred vision—are increasingly common among young patients.
The hospital recommends parents adopt preventative strategies, including limiting non-essential screen time, especially for children under five, encouraging outdoor play for at least two hours daily, and applying the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes of screen use, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Adjusting screen brightness, enabling blue-light filters, and scheduling annual eye check-ups are also advised.
“With the right habits, we can protect children from avoidable vision damage,” Dr. Deza added. “Teachers, parents, and healthcare providers must work together to ensure students grow up with healthy eyesight.”
