Limit your child's time with smart devices for his eyes

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Limit your childs time with smart devices for his eyes

Dubai - Dry eyes is an emerging problem in children who excessively use tablets and other such gadgets.

By Staff Reporter

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Published: Sun 24 Jan 2016, 5:23 PM

Last updated: Mon 25 Jan 2016, 8:50 AM

Excessive use of electronic devices have resulted in new eye problems in children especially between the age group of 3 and 10 years, according to a health expert.
Dr Abdulla Naqi, consultant ophthalmologist and head of ophthalmology department at Dubai Hospital said during the Twitter clinic held every Thursday that regular eye screening should be done, especially during childhood to ensure early detection and treatment of eye diseases.
He said research shows that the chances of developing short-sightedness increases in children who do not keep sufficient distance between their eyes and a book, tablet PCs and television. In fact, dry eyes is an emerging problem in children who excessively use tablets and other such gadgets, he added.
"This is a new challenge. Excessive use of such devices have caused newer eye problems in this age group, which we did not see in the past. Dry eyes is one such problem. Parents often ask me the difference between reading a book and using smart devices such as tablets. The difference is that tablets are more interactive, therefore the blinking reflex of the eye reduces dramatically because you need to concentrate more and your eyes gets exposed for a longer period of time, this leads to dry eyes. In the long run, especially for children aged 3 to 10 years, concentration on small objects in the tablet, over a prolonged period of time can lead to short-sightedness and there have been several studies to prove this."
Al Naqi said nowadays, how to limit the use of smart devices among children, is a common dilemma most parents face. "Solving this issue needs determination. Smart devices such as tablets should not be readily available for children and it should be given only for a certain period of time after children have done their regular activities and outdoor play."
"The first eye screening after the one at birth should take place between three to five years, the next one should be between 10 to 12 years. These are the two main screenings recommended for children. If any defects are spotted, doctors will advise regular follow-ups.
"However, certain situations require immediate examinations. If a child aged two months or more, cannot trace his mother's face or if a child aged six months or more experiences vibration in the eyes or if at any age a child experiences squinting or if when photographed, a child does not show red reflux but instead shows yellow or white reflux in one or both eye, these are all conditions that require further investigation."
reporters@khaleejtimes.com


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