Janet Ogundepo
The President of the Ophthalmological Society of Nigeria, Dr Abiola Oyeleye, has warned that children exposed to increased screen time had a higher risk of developing vision-related problems.
The consultant pphthalmologist noted that children who spend a long time with digital devices could develop short-sightedness and eye strain, among other issues.
In an exclusive statement to PUNCH Healthwise to commemorate World Sight Day, the OSN president urged parents to prioritise their children’s eye care by ensuring they have reduced screen time and go for regular eye check-ups.
World Sight Day is commemorated annually on the second Thursday of October to raise awareness about eye health and preventing vision loss.
This year’s theme is “Children, Love Your Eyes.”
The World Health Organisation in this year’s message stated that uncorrected vision impairment may impact education and social inclusion and advocated that eye health services should be accessible, available and affordable for all children.
The agency emphasised the need for children to reduce screen time and spend more time outside to prevent them from developing short-sightedness.
According to 2024 data from the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, children between the ages of eight and 12 spend about four to six hours a day using screens.
Teens, on the other hand, spend nine hours on screen time.
Aside from the effect long screen time has on their eyes, the research further suggested that it could impact their mental and physical health adversely.
According to the Pew Research Centre, most children under the age of five are exposed to television sets, while older children make use of tablets, smartphones and desktop or laptop computers.
The WHO also urged adults to take care of their eyes by taking regular breaks when using digital devices.
“World Sight Day can serve as a reminder that adults should prioritize their eye health, too. It is important to take regular breaks during activities such as reading or using digital devices and wear eye protection when using tools and chemicals that could damage the eyes. Smoking and UV exposure should also be avoided, for example, by wearing sunglasses and hats when outdoors, to prevent eye diseases,” it stated.
In his goodwill message, Oyeleye stated that eye care for the next generation was more important now than before because of the advent and widespread use of digital devices.
He said, “Caring for children’s eyes is more important than ever in today’s digital age. With increased screen time and exposure to digital devices, children are at a higher risk of developing vision-related problems such as eye strain, potential short-sightedness, and other eye health issues.
“By prioritising children’s eye care and modelling good habits like getting regular eye checkups, limiting screen time and more, we can help protect their sight and give them a clearer, brighter future.”
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