Dr. Isai Mitra, ophthalmologist, I center, Chennai, answers some frequently asked questions about ways and means to protect children’s eyes, writes Anitha Bennett

Prolonged exposure to digital screens during the past 16 months of online schooling has adversely affected the ocular health of children of all age groups. An increasing number of children are complaining of eye strain, fatigue, and headaches.

Dr. Isai Mitra, ohphthalmologist, I center, Chennai, answers some frequently asked questions about ways and means to protect children’s eyes.

How will we know if our children need eyeglasses?
A young child may not realise that her vision is blurred. It is up to parents to watch out for tell-tale signs such as constant headache or eye pain. Some children may squint, others may hold their school reading material very close to their eyes, or fail to read what is written on a wall calendar. If you observe that your child is spending too much time on digital gadgets, take her for an eyes check even if she doesn’t complain of ocular strain.

What should we do if we suspect a vision problem?
Don’t postpone visiting an ophthalmologist. In many cases, parents hesitate as they believe wearing spectacles may lessen their child’s physical attractiveness. An annual visit to the doctor is mandatory even if children don’t show any symptoms.

What are the major causes of poor ocular health?
There are several causes — nutritional deficiency, excess digital screens watching, genetics, environmental. Children viewing images that are constantly changing on a phone, tab, computer or gaming console causes heavy strain on the eyes.

How can we take early preventive measures?
Some preventive actions:
• Include foods rich in vitamin A, such as carrots and green vegetables, in children’s daily diet.
• Encourage children to play outdoors in the sun for better absorption of vitamin D.
• Provide good lighting at home for children to read and study.
• Encourage them to sit up straight and read instead of lying down.
• Mandate protective sunglasses to avoid UV ray exposure.
• Limit screen time to two hours per day, especially since schools have reopened.
• The television should be placed at eye level, and viewers should be seated at least six ft away. Cell phones and tablets should be 25 cm away from the face.

Do eye exercises help?
Ocular exercises strengthen eye muscles. When your child is involved in intense study, teach her to blink often. This keeps the eyes moist and reduces dryness/itchiness. It will also help her see clearly. Your ophthalmologist will suggest other eye exercises depending on the needs of your child.

What if my child is too young for eye glasses?
If vision is flawed, eye glasses are necessary, regardless of age. Child-friendly spectacles in vibrant colours are available these days. The plastic or flexible versions are user-friendly, and unbreakable. Encourage and motivate your child to use them regularly. Children should wear contact lenses only when they are old enough to handle them carefully.

Also read: Protecting children’s eyes during online learning