Long hours on screens, poor lighting and dry air can leave the eyes tired, dry and sore. Other common problems include redness, watering, styes and changes in vision. Eyes are delicate, so any sudden change in vision needs a doctor's attention.
Common Signs
- Tired, burning or dry eyes after screen use.
- Blurred vision or headaches after reading.
- Redness, itching or watering.
- A painful lump on the eyelid (a stye).
- Sensitivity to light.
When to See a Doctor Promptly
- A sudden loss or change of vision, or new flashes of light or floating spots.
- Eye pain, or a red eye with reduced vision.
- An eye injury, or a chemical splash: rinse with clean water and go to hospital at once.
- A child who squints, tilts the head or sits very close to screens.
In an emergency, go to the nearest hospital.
Children's Eyes: What Dr. Arpana Highlights
A baby is born able to see only things held very close. Depth perception, eye-body coordination and eye-hand coordination develop as the child grows, so eye trouble can be hard to spot in the early years. Dr. Arpana shares the case of a child of two years and seven months whose parents feared an attention problem, because he was impulsive, clumsy and did not finish his tasks. An eye examination found a refractive error. How well a child can see can shape how the child behaves.
She suggests a routine eye examination if a child sits very close to the television, has watering or red eyes, or complains of headaches, and glasses if the examination shows they are needed. Her food tips, for the whole family and best served fresh and lightly cooked:
- Carrots, rich in beta-carotene, which the body turns into vitamin A.
- Leafy greens such as spinach, broccoli and kale, which are rich in carotenoids.
- Milk, milk products and cottage cheese, and gently cooked egg yolk (soft-boiled or poached).
- Vitamin C fruits such as oranges, amla, custard apple and dragon fruit, and red or green peppers.
Vitamin A deficiency is a leading cause of preventable vision loss in children. No outcome is promised, and prescribed glasses or medicines should not be stopped without your doctor's advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I rest my eyes during screen work?
Look away every 20 minutes at something about 20 feet away for 20 seconds, blink often, and keep the screen at a comfortable distance and brightness.
Do children need eye checks?
Yes. A routine eye check helps to find problems early, especially if a child struggles at school.
Are eye drops fine to use freely?
Do not use medicated drops without a doctor's advice. Tell Dr. Arpana about any drops you already use.
You can book a consultation or read the frequently asked questions. This page is for general education and is not a substitute for personal medical advice.