Ophthalmologist Debunks Biggest Myths About Screen Time And Children’s Eyesight

Children spending long hours on screens has become a common concern for parents, with questions ranging from whether television can damage eyesight to whether wearing glasses can weaken a child’s eyes. As technology becomes increasingly embedded in children’s daily lives, misconceptions about eye health can sometimes make it difficult for parents to distinguish between normal behaviour and signs that require medical attention. Ophthalmologist Dr Roshan Christina of Forus Health has addressed some of the common myths surrounding children’s eyesight, screen use and glasses, while highlighting the importance of recognising changes in vision early.

One common belief is that sitting too close to the television damages a child’s eyesight. Dr Christina explained that children may sit closer to the television because they can focus better at shorter distances. Therefore, simply sitting close to a screen does not necessarily mean that a child’s eyes are being damaged. However, parents should pay attention if a child who previously watched television from a normal distance suddenly begins moving much closer to the screen. According to the ophthalmologist, such a change can be a reason to arrange an eye examination.

A sudden change in viewing distance may indicate that a child is having difficulty seeing objects clearly from farther away. Rather than assuming that the behaviour is simply a habit, parents can observe whether it is accompanied by other signs such as squinting, frequently moving closer to objects, difficulty reading or complaints about blurred vision. Early assessment can help identify refractive errors or other vision problems and allow appropriate treatment or corrective measures to be considered.

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Screen use itself is another area surrounded by misconceptions. Digital devices can contribute to eye strain, particularly when children spend extended periods focusing on a screen without adequate breaks. Symptoms can include temporary discomfort, dryness, tired eyes or difficulty maintaining focus. These symptoms, however, should not automatically be interpreted as permanent damage to eyesight. Parents can encourage children to take regular breaks from screens, maintain a comfortable viewing distance and ensure that lighting conditions are appropriate.

The role of glasses is also frequently misunderstood. Some parents worry that prescribing spectacles may make a child dependent on them or cause the eyes to become weaker. In reality, glasses prescribed for a refractive error are intended to provide clear vision and support normal visual development. If a child has been advised to wear spectacles, parents should follow the ophthalmologist’s recommendations rather than avoiding glasses because of misconceptions about their effects.

Regular attention to children’s visual behaviour can help parents identify potential problems early. Difficulty seeing the board at school, frequent squinting, headaches, unusual head positioning, holding books very close or repeatedly rubbing the eyes can warrant professional evaluation, particularly if these behaviours persist. Children may not always recognise or communicate that their vision has changed, making observation by parents, teachers and caregivers important.

Dr Christina’s comments underline the difference between common childhood behaviour and symptoms that deserve medical assessment. A child sitting close to a television is not automatically experiencing eye damage, but a sudden change in viewing habits can be significant. Similarly, temporary discomfort after prolonged screen use should not necessarily be confused with a serious vision disorder, although persistent or unusual symptoms should be evaluated by an eye-care professional.

For parents, the key is to avoid both unnecessary alarm and complacency. Managing screen habits, encouraging breaks and paying attention to changes in a child’s visual behaviour can support good eye health. When there are noticeable or persistent changes in vision, an ophthalmological examination can help determine whether corrective treatment is needed. Understanding the difference between myths and medically relevant warning signs can help families make more informed decisions about children’s eyesight.

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