Dr. Yelena Kornilova, an ophthalmologist, pointed out that spending long hours doing homework, reading, and relaxing in front of a computer or phone are all factors that harm the eyesight of teenagers.
According to her, regular eye exams are not just a formality, but a crucial step in maintaining the eye health of teenagers. Therefore, routine checkups should be conducted at least once a year, even in the absence of any complaints. This is because, during the school years, when visual strain increases sharply, myopia (nearsightedness) often develops and worsens. Early detection of the problem and regular follow-up allow for timely intervention and the preservation of good vision.
She says: "However, one should not rely solely on routine visits, but should consult an ophthalmologist immediately if any warning signs appear. Because the child's visual system may be under tremendous pressure during the school period, it is important to notice the first warning signs."
She notes that visible signs include redness of the eyes at the end of the day and frequent blinking. Complaints of eye strain or pain, habitually tilting the head to a certain angle to improve vision, squinting when looking at distant objects, and recurring headaches, especially after eye strain, are also signs to consider.
She says: "Any of these symptoms could be an indication that a doctor should be consulted for an accurate diagnosis."
According to her, electronic devices have become an integral part of learning and entertainment, meaning the question of their impact on eyesight is extremely important.
She says, "It's impossible to definitively say that electronic devices directly cause any disease. However, they may contribute to the exacerbation of some vision problems."
She points out that this occurs for two reasons: First, focusing for extended periods on close objects can strain the eye muscles. Second, digital devices significantly reduce the time children spend outdoors in natural daylight, as sunlight is essential for the healthy development of a child's eyes and for preventing the worsening of myopia.
She says: “Instead of a strict ban on the use of electronic devices, which is often ineffective, it is better to instill the basics of digital hygiene in children. The “20-20-20” rule can be applied - a 20-second break every 20 minutes in front of the computer/tablet/phone, and looking at a distance of 5-6 meters. The distance between the eyes and the screen is also important. For example, the smartphone should be used at a distance of 30-40 cm from the eyes.”
The doctor advises staying in natural daylight for one to two hours to rest the eyes. Reading in dim light is also unhealthy. Dim light—for example, when reading a book in bed before sleep—causes the pupils to dilate to absorb more light, which can affect contrast and image quality, and cause headaches and eye strain.
She says: "Reading while moving is harmful. Because the constant shaking causes the text to shake constantly, forcing the eyes to make an extra effort to stabilize the image. To maintain eye health, it is recommended to read and study texts at a table with good and even lighting."
According to her, it's difficult to definitively choose between glasses and contact lenses. Both have their advantages, and the modern approach is to combine them intelligently. Contact lenses correct vision without altering the size of surrounding objects (they neither enlarge nor shrink them) or narrowing the field of vision. Moreover, in some cases, children's contact lenses slow the progression of myopia. They are specially designed to meet the needs of children's eyes and feature a unique design. They contain several zones: a central zone to correct myopia and ensure good vision, while other zones slow the excessive eye growth that causes this condition. Regular glasses, on the other hand, offer protection from dust and wind and require no special care.
