Impact of screen time on vision stressed

OSR/DIPR
Imphal, Oct 30 : The National Programme for Control of Blindness & Visual Impairment (NPCB&VI) has observed the 25th World Sight Day 2024 in association with National Health Mission (NHM) and the Directorate of Health Services, Manipur,   at Classic Grande, Chingmeirong, today.
The event, focusing on the theme “Love your eyes, kids,” highlighted the importance of children’s eye health and the role of parents and educators in maintaining it.
Health Minister Dr Sapam Ranjan attended the observance as chief guest.
 In his speech, Dr Ranjan noted the increasing global prevalence of vision correction needs, stating that soon, 50 per cent of the world population will require spectacles.
Reflecting on the theme, Dr Ranjan emphasized that children often lack awareness about their own eyesight, making it essential for parents and teachers to stay vigilant.
He pointed out that teachers, in particular, have a unique opportunity to observe signs of potential eye problems in their students’ classwork.
The Minister also discussed the impact of increased screen time on eye health in the digital age.
“Being in a digital world, our screen time is ever-increasing. From the moment we wake up till when we go to bed, we’re glued to our screens, which strains our eyes and affects our vision,” he stated.
He warned that excessive screen time may lead to what some are calling the next major health crisis—a “digital pandemic” caused by prolonged exposure to screens.
There is a trend of parents giving mobile phones to their children to console them or to keep them occupied, he said while explaining that the increase in screen time, especially among children, not only affects eyesight but also reduces physical activity impacting their overall health.
The Minister urged all families and communities to support outdoor activities and reduce screen time for improved eye health and well-being.
He also stressed on the importance of regular eye check-ups, Dr Ranjan appealed to all parents to adopt responsible screen time management and prioritize routine eye examinations.
The Minister, meanwhile, said that an alarming rate of cataract cases is prevalent in Manipur.
Sharing that the Government is setting a target to perform 7,000 cataract surgeries in 2024-25, he added that about 45 per cent of  the  target is already achieved.
Dr Ranjan also said that people should not get glasses without undergoing eye tests.
On improving the health sector, Dr Ranjan maintained that the Government is working to give free diagnosis facilities for different ailments and to make medicines available  at a cheaper rate.
He also said that the Government is preparing to give PMJAY cards to every elderly person about 70 so that they could get a free treatment facility under the health insurance scheme of the Centre.  
In his concluding remarks, he encouraged the public to make use of various Government health programmes, covering areas such as oral health, heart disease, tuberculosis, and hepatitis, to ensure comprehensive healthcare for all.
A significant highlight of the event was the distribution of spectacles to senior citizens and school children, aligning with the day’s theme of accessible eye care.
The programme was also attended by key officials including Special Secretary (Health) Hungyo Worshang, Health Director Dr O Sanahanbi Devi and State Mission Director of NHM, Manipur; Dr M Dinesh Singh among others.