Screen Overload: Indian Youth Face Rising Eye Strain, Vision Problems Post-Pandemic

AIIMS-Bhubaneswar is sounding the alarm: India's youngsters are increasingly suffering from eye problems like digital eye strain and refractive errors. Dr. Ashutosh Biswas, the Executive Director, highlighted on World Sight Day that excessive screen time, poor visual habits, and ignoring early symptoms are fueling this growing crisis, especially after the shift to online learning during the pandemic. This isn't just about tired eyes; prolonged digital device use is leading to serious conditions like Computer Vision Syndrome and a surge in myopia, with studies showing that up to 50% of urban youth are now affected by digital eye strain. Indian children often spend 3-8 hours daily on screens, far exceeding recommended limits, which not only impacts their vision but also contributes to issues like obesity, sleep problems, and even changes in brain development. Without proper care, these conditions can cause severe, even permanent, vision impairment. To tackle this, experts are urging young people to adopt better 'visual hygiene' habits, like following the '20-20-20 rule' – looking away from screens every 20 minutes. Regular eye check-ups are critical for early detection and treatment. AIIMS-Bhubaneswar, along with global initiatives like the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness, is pushing for greater awareness and accessible eye care to protect the vision of the next generation.