A stark warning has been issued by an eye health expert, highlighting the urgent need to address the rising tide of vision problems among young children. Dr. Esther Carmen Arvelle Ereño, an ophthalmology resident at the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC), has raised the alarm over the increasing number of school-aged children developing nearsightedness due to excessive gadget use.
In a recent media forum hosted by the Philippine Information Agency-Davao (PIA-Davao) in partnership with SM City Davao, Dr. Ereño emphasized the detrimental impact of prolonged exposure to near vision tasks without adequate breaks or outdoor activities. She explained that this strain on the eyes accelerates the need for corrective eyewear, especially in children whose eyes are still developing.
"Even young children are often given tablets or cellphones to keep them occupied, but their eyes are still developing until the age of seven. If they are constantly exposed to near vision, they are likely to become nearsighted early on, which can impede the proper growth of their eyes," Dr. Ereño cautioned.
To tackle this issue, Dr. Ereño advised parents to refrain from giving gadgets to children under three years old and to strictly limit screen time for older children. She emphasized the importance of encouraging outdoor activities that allow the eyes to focus on distant objects, promoting healthy eye development.
"For children under three, it's best to avoid giving them gadgets altogether," she said.
Dr. Ereño also highlighted the potential for poor gadget habits, such as holding devices too close, to cause conditions like esotropia (crossed eyes). She advocated for a holistic approach to eye health, including healthy screen practices, proper nutrition with green leafy vegetables, routine eye checkups, maintaining a proper screen distance of at least 20 inches, and using UV-protection eyeglasses.
This comprehensive strategy aims to address the growing concern over vision problems in young children, ensuring their eyes develop healthily and naturally.
What are your thoughts on this issue? Do you think we, as a society, are doing enough to protect our children's vision in this digital age? Share your opinions and experiences in the comments below!
