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 sugge.
