Eye surgeon warns ‘kids under 5 are spending twice the recommended screen time’; shares tips to protect their vision

By Admin

20 Aug, 2025

Toddlers and young children in India are spending alarming hours glued to screens every day, raising red flags among health experts. A June 2025 study by AIIMS Raipur, published in the Cureus journal, has revealed that children under five years old are averaging 2.22 hours of screen time daily double the safe limit recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Indian Academy of Paediatrics.

The situation is even more troubling for infants. The study highlights that children under two years are spending 1.23 hours daily on screens, despite medical guidelines recommending zero screen time for this age group.

Harmful effects of excessive screen time

Dr. Jay Goyal, Senior Eye Surgeon and Director at Surya Eye Institute, explains that the risks go far beyond tired eyes.

“Numerous studies worldwide have found that excessive screen time leads to developmental delays in children under five, especially in communication and language acquisition,” says Dr. Goyal.

He warns that:

• Myopia (nearsightedness): Excessive screen exposure in young children can trigger early onset of myopia.
  
  

• Anxiety and irritability: Increased screen time often results in restless behavior and emotional disturbances.
  
  

• Sleep problems: Constant screen exposure disrupts natural sleep cycles.
  
  

• Stunted development: Children’s brains may change with uncontrolled screen use, leading to dependency and reduced social interaction.
  
  

Dr. Goyal adds, “Since the pandemic, the situation has worsened. For three continuous years, children were forced into high screen use due to online learning and work-from-home parents. Unfortunately, this visibility has come at a cost.”

How parents can protect their child’s eyesight

Experts emphasize that the solution is not only reducing screen time but building healthier digital habits. Parents can try the following strategies:

• Create no-screen zones – Keep dining tables and bedrooms screen-free.
  
  

• Avoid using screens as pacifiers – Do not hand devices to kids during meals or tantrums. Parents should also avoid phones at the table to set the right example.
  
  

• Follow the 20-20-20 rule – Every 20 minutes, encourage kids to look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
  
  

• Use blue light filter glasses – These reduce blue light exposure, helping prevent eye strain and improving sleep.
  
  

• Ensure proper lighting – Always use screens in well-lit rooms to reduce glare and contrast strain.
  
  

• Encourage active play and reading – Replace digital entertainment with physical games and books.
  
  

• Raise awareness – Parents, educators, and healthcare providers must work together to create screen-smart children.
  
  

Importance of regular eye checkups

“As screen usage grows, regular eye screenings are vital,” stresses Dr. Goyal. Both parents and schools should organize periodic eye exam camps to detect conditions such as myopia, dry eyes, and vision issues early on.

He adds, “If India wants to prepare its youngest generation for a digital future, the conversation must shift from restrictions to digital literacy and proactive eye health. With smart classrooms and tech-driven education, it is essential to embed healthy digital practices into school curricula.”

Building a screen-smart generation

Ultimately, protecting children’s eyes isn’t about cutting technology out completely, but about finding a balanced approach. With collaboration between parents, educators, doctors, and policymakers, India can raise a generation that is not only digitally equipped but also enjoys healthy vision and holistic development.

Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified doctor with any concerns about your child’s health.