Surge in screen time causing vision, sleep disorders in kids

EXPERTS REPORT NEW-AGE HEALTH CONCERNS DRIVEN BY DIGITAL ADDICTION

- BY ASHWANI KUMAR Chief Reporter

Doctors in the UAE are warning of a sharp rise in eye-related and sleep disorders among children this summer, as screen time hits a seasonal high amid scorching temperatures.

"We've observed a noticeable surge in children presenting with symptoms of Digital Eye Strain [DES] and related conditions," said Dr Vaibhav Sharma, Specialist Ophthalmology, Aster Clinic, Bur Dubai.

"With schools closed and temperatures soaring outdoors, many children turn to screens for entertainment, often spending excessive time on tablets, gaming consoles, or smartphones. This prolonged exposure without adequate breaks has led to increased complaints of blurry vision, dry eyes, headaches, and difficulty focusing," Dr Sharma added.

Dr Mahmoud Elsenbawy, Specialist Ophthalmologist at Burjeel Medical Centre, Abu Dhabi, noted a spectrum of newer, screen-related vision syndromes.