Guide on Safeguarding Children's Eyesight in the Modern Digital Era

In today's digital age, children are spending more time than ever before on gadgets, and this trend is causing concern among pediatric ophthalmologists. According to a rising trend observed by experts, prolonged usage of devices can tire children's eyes and potentially accelerate the progression of myopia, especially in those who already wear glasses.

Dr. Marina Kuznetsova, a renowned pediatric ophthalmologist, warns that the strain on children's eyes from gadget usage can be significant. She advises parents to be vigilant, especially if their children show signs of eye fatigue.

To mitigate this issue, ophthalmologists recommend a balanced approach. Regular eye checks are essential, with a visit to an ophthalmologist at least once a year. It's also crucial to alternate screen time with outdoor active play and sports.

The workspace for gadget usage should be well-lit, and outdoor games and reading can help strengthen eye muscles. Ophthalmologists also suggest limiting screen time for younger children to no more than 1-2 hours a day, and up to 3-4 hours for older children, with breaks every 20-30 minutes.

Poor posture and close screen distance during gadget usage can intensify the strain on children's vision. To control screen distance, the minimum recommended is 30-40 cm. The simple "20-20-20" rule—looking at an object 6 meters away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes—can also help reduce eye strain.

Special glasses with blue light filters and corrective lenses are also beneficial. These glasses can help protect children's eyes from the harmful effects of blue light emitted by devices.

Lack of natural light, due to increased indoor gadget usage, can negatively impact proper eye development. The World Health Organization emphasizes that natural light is essential for proper eye development, but children are spending less time outdoors due to increased indoor gadget usage.

Approximately 80% of children over the age of three use gadgets daily, with one in five spending more than five hours on phones or tablets. This trend is alarming, as approximately 30-40% of schoolchildren worldwide have vision problems of varying degrees, with a projected increase to 50% among adolescents by 2025.

The World Health Organization states that at least half of the vision problems worldwide could have been prevented or corrected. This statistic underscores the importance of taking steps to protect children's vision health.

In conclusion, while gadgets can be a source of entertainment and education for children, it's essential to be aware of their potential impact on vision health. By following the advice of pediatric ophthalmologists, parents can help ensure their children's eyes stay healthy and strong.