Screen distance, exposure to natural daylight and everyday visual habits also play an important role. Speaking at the India Today HealthWealth Summit 2026 during a session titled Aankhon Ki Gustakhiyan, eye-care expert Dr Carreen Pakrasi explained that holding screens too close increases the demand on the eyes' focusing system.
She recalled how children studying from home during the Covid-19 pandemic often kept devices on their laps, bringing screens closer to their eyes. Outdoor activity is another important factor.
Research has linked insufficient outdoor exposure with a higher likelihood of developing myopia. Encouraging children to play outside and spend less time indoors can support healthier visual development.
Prolonged screen use can also cause dry eyes because people tend to blink less while concentrating on digital devices. Reduced blinking affects the tear film that keeps the eyes lubricated, potentially causing discomfort and irritation.
Pakrasi recommends following the 20-20-20 rule: looking at an object approximately 20 feet away for 20 seconds after every 20 minutes of screen use. Parents can support their children's eye health by maintaining a comfortable viewing distance, encouraging outdoor play, ensuring regular screen breaks, and watching for warning signs such as squinting or difficulty seeing distant objects.
If these symptoms appear, an eye examination is advisable. Developing healthier screen habits, spending adequate time outdoors, and addressing vision changes early can help protect children's long-term eye health.