In an age where digital devices dominate our children’s playtime, an eye care professional from the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) is ringing alarm bells about an alarming rise in vision issues among young children. The reality is hard to ignore: excessive screen time is not just a nuisance; it’s becoming a significant risk to our kids’ eye health.
Dr. Esther Carmen Arvelle Ereño, currently in training at SPMC’s Department of Ophthalmology, has pointed out a troubling trend—an increase in nearsightedness (myopia) in children who are merely school-aged. She explains that the prevalence of devices like smartphones, tablets, and computers is causing countless children to spend excessive amounts of time on near-vision tasks, which can greatly strain their eyes and hasten the need for corrective eyewear. This was highlighted during a recent discussion at the Healthy Davao Media Forum, organized by the Philippine Information Agency-Davao (PIA-Davao) in collaboration with SM City Davao.
"Now, consider this: parents often hand their young kids a tablet or phone to occupy them, without realizing the dangers involved. The truth is, until the age of seven, a child’s eyes are still in the developmental stage. By habitually exposing them to devices that require near vision—such as smartphones—they are at a higher risk of developing nearsightedness early on, which can hinder their eye growth properly," warned Dr. Ereño.
She firmly advises parents to refrain from giving gadgets to children aged three years or younger. For older children, it’s crucial to impose strict limits on screen time and to promote outdoor play, which encourages the eyes to focus on objects at a distance. "That’s why it's really important not to provide gadgets for children under three years old," she stressed.
Dr. Ereño also highlighted how poor gadget habits, like holding screens too close to the face, could result in more serious eye conditions, such as esotropia, or crossed eyes. To maintain healthy screen practices, she urges families to bolster eye health through proper nutrition, particularly by including green leafy vegetables in their diet.
Routine eye examinations are also essential, along with maintaining a minimum viewing distance of 20 inches from screens and using UV-protection eyeglasses to guard against harmful rays. But here's where it gets controversial: Are we inadvertently jeopardizing our children's vision for the sake of convenience? How can we balance technology use while safeguarding our kids’ health? What practices do you think we need to change, and are you ready to make those adjustments? Let’s hear your thoughts!
