A Parent’s Guide to Paediatric Eye Care in Today’s Screen-Filled World

In today’s fast-paced digital world, screens are everywhere, at home, in classrooms, and even in your child’s toys. With digital learning becoming the new norm, children now spend more hours in front of screens than ever before. While this evolution offers exciting educational opportunities, it also raises a crucial concern: your child’s eye health.

At Dr. Vaidya Eye Hospital, one of the best eye hospitals in Mumbai, we believe that vision is a precious gift, especially during a child’s formative years. This makes early prevention, routine eye check-ups and proper care essential. Whether you’re searching for an eye clinic near me or a trusted paediatric ophthalmologist in Mumbai, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

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Eye Care from the Very Beginning: Age-Wise Vision Milestones & Tips

Each stage of childhood brings unique vision care needs. Here’s what parents should know:

Infants (0-1 Year)

Babies begin to focus by 6 weeks and can track movement by 3-4 months.
 Warning signs: Constant eye turning, excessive tearing, or white pupils in photos.
 Tip: Schedule a comprehensive eye screening before age 1,  especially if there’s a family history of eye conditions. Regular checks at a reliable eye clinic can catch early issues.

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Toddlers (1-3 Years)

This is when children begin learning coordination and depth perception.
 Watch out for: Frequent eye rubbing, squinting, or disinterest in puzzles.
 Routine: Keep screen time under 30 minutes and encourage visual-motor play.

It is important not to ignore the early signs of your munchkins, and if you’re anywhere near Andheri West visit Dr. Vaidya Eye hospital for your child’s vision concerns.

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Preschoolers (3-5 Years)

Children now use their vision for drawing, building blocks, and close-up tasks.
 Common concerns: Lazy eye (amblyopia), crossed eyes (strabismus), or refractive errors.
 Tip: Book an eye exam before starting school. The best hospital for eye surgery and treatment, like Dr. Vaidya Eye Hospital, can provide early intervention that significantly improves school readiness.

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School-Age Children (6-12 Years)

Digital learning becomes more prominent, with screen time often exceeding 4-6 hours daily.
 Symptoms of Digital Eye Strain: Blurred vision, dry eyes, frequent blinking, and headaches.
 Practice the 20-20-20 Rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
 If symptoms persist, consult a paediatric ophthalmologist near you for evaluation.

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Teenagers (13+ Years)

Academic pressure and social media increase screen usage, raising the risk of progressive myopia (near-sightedness).
 Tip: Make annual eye exams a routine and promote outdoor activity. 2+ hours daily has been shown to help slow myopia progression. Visit Dr. Vaidya’s Eye Clinic for customized myopia control solutions.

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The Digital Shift: A Double-Edged Sword

While digital tools enhance learning, excessive screen time can lead to:

• Digital Eye Strain (Computer Vision Syndrome)
• Blue Light Exposure, disrupting sleep
• Myopia progression, especially in urban settings
• Reduced outdoor activity, essential for healthy eye development

Most vision problems in children go unnoticed. They often can’t articulate what’s wrong, making routine eye exams at a trusted eye clinic near you absolutely essential.

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Why Regular Eye Check-Ups Are Non-Negotiable

At Dr. Vaidya Eye Hospital, we prioritize preventive care. Our specialists in paediatric eye care in Mumbai use child-friendly diagnostic tools to detect:

• Refractive errors (myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism)
• Alignment issues like lazy eye or squint
• The effects of prolonged screen use
• Vision deficiencies affecting learning and self-confidence

Whether it’s a first-time check-up or a second opinion, our experienced team at Dr. Vaidya’s is here to support your child’s vision journey.

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Daily Eye Care Tips for Kids

Implement this age-inclusive eye health routine:

 Screen Time Limits:

• Under 2 years: No screen time
• Ages 2-5: Max 1 hour/day
• Ages 6+: Balanced with breaks and outdoor activity

Environment & Habits:

• Use blue light filters
• Encourage screen-free zones at home
• Maintain proper posture and screen distance (18-24 inches)
• Ensure good lighting during reading or screen use

Nutrition & Play:

• Eat eye-friendly foods: carrots, spinach, nuts, citrus fruits
• Encourage 30-60 minutes of outdoor play daily
  

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When Should You Visit a Paediatric Eye Specialist?

Book a consultation at Dr. Vaidya’s Eye Clinic if your child:

• Rubs eyes or squints frequently
• Holds books or screens too close
• Tilts their head to see better
• Complains of headaches or eye pain
• Struggles to see the board in class

These may be early signs of vision problems that can be diagnosed and treat effectively.

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Why Trust Dr. Vaidya Eye Hospital?

As one of Mumbai’s most trusted names in eye care, Dr. Vaidya Eye Hospital offers:

Specialized paediatric ophthalmologists in Mumbai
 Comprehensive eye check-ups using advanced diagnostics
 Myopia control strategies tailored to your child’s needs
 Compassionate, child-friendly care for a comfortable experience

So if you’re looking for the best hospital for eye surgery or routine check-ups for your child, we’re here for you.

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Give Your Child the Gift of Clear Vision

In this screen-dominated age, protecting your child’s eyesight is more than important, it’s essential.
Let’s ensure their learning, play, and growth are supported by healthy vision.

Book a paediatric eye check-up today at Dr. Vaidya Eye Hospital, the trusted name in child eye care.

What is Eye Floater?
Eye floaters are those pesky little dots that drift across your vision, always seeming to dart away when you try to focus on them directly. They are particularly noticeable when you look at a plain, bright background, like a blue sky or a white wall. Floaters can occasionally cause temporary blurry spots in your vision.
 
 
What are Eye Flashes?
Eye flashes, also known as photopsias, are brief bursts of light that appear in your field of vision, even when there’s no actual light source present. In this case, people see a flash of color or light.
 
What Causes Eye Floaters and Flashes?
 
Posterior vitreous detachment (PVD): As the vitreous gel pulls away from the retina (a common occurrence with aging), it can tug on the retina, stimulating it and creating the sensation of flashing lights. PVD isn’t painful and doesn’t usually cause vision loss, though it can potentially lead to complications that do.
 
Migraines: Some people experience visual disturbances, including flashes, before or during a migraine headache. These flashes often appear as jagged lines or shimmering patterns.
 
Sometimes a detached retina can cause eye floaters. A detached retina happens when your retina separates from your eyeball.
 
NOTE:
Sometimes, floaters and flashes happen because of things that aren’t very serious. These include:
Eye inflammation: This is when your eye gets red and swollen, sometimes because of an infection or other irritation.
Eye infections: Just like other parts of your body, your eyes can also get infections.
Eye injury: If you hurt your eye, it can sometimes cause floaters and flashes.
Strong cough: Coughing very hard can sometimes put pressure on your eyes.
Diabetes: This is a condition where your body has trouble controlling sugar levels in your blood.
Age- related issues: As we get older (usually between 50 and 75), the jelly inside our eyes shrinks and sometimes tugs on the retina. These tugs can make us see flashes of light.
It’s important to remember that while these causes are usually not very serious, it’s always best to get your eyes checked by a doctor if you notice any floaters or flashes, just to be safe. If you’re in Mumbai, you can visit Dr. Vaidya Eye Hospital for a comprehensive eye exam. Our expert ophthalmologists can diagnose the cause of your floaters and flashes and recommend any necessary treatment.

How To Reduce Eye Floaters and Flashes Naturally?
Proper hydration and a healthful diet can also provide the necessary nutrients to support eye health. If bright, outdoor environments seem to aggravate floaters, wearing sunglasses with proper ultraviolet (UV) protection is a good idea. If your floaters don’t fade naturally, or if they increase dramatically or are accompanied by flashes of light, contact Dr. Vaidya Eye Hospital.
 
READ MORE: Understanding UV Rays and Eye Damage

How are Eye Floaters and Flashes Treated?
If your eye floaters are significantly impacting your vision or quality of life, there are two primary treatment options available:

Surgery to remove the floater (vitrectomy):
This surgical procedure involves removing the vitreous gel from the eye, which is where the floaters are located.
The vitreous gel is replaced with a clear saline solution.
While effective in removing floaters, vitrectomy is a major surgery that carries risks such as retinal detachment, infection, and bleeding.
It is typically only recommended for severe cases where floaters significantly impair vision.

Laser treatment (vitreolysis):
This less invasive procedure uses a laser to break up the floaters into smaller pieces that are less noticeable.
It is generally safer than vitrectomy and has a shorter recovery time.

CONCLUSION:
If floaters in your eye are affecting your vision, we advice to take doctor consultation. We can provide you with more information about the available treatment options and help you decide on the best course of action.
Refer: Importance of regular eye check-ups

Contact us at 9004496621 for appointments.
Visit: Dr Vaidya Eye Hospital 202, 2nd Floor, Lotus Link Square, Andheri Link Rd, above Bank of Baroda, D.N. Nagar, Andheri West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400058.

Given the phones, TVs, e-games and iPads around, limiting your child’s screen time might seem overwhelming. How much TV is good for them? Should they be texting all day long? Technology and screen time is a huge issue in this generation of parenting, which is what we need to ponder about as early on as possible.

Benefits of Healthy Screen Time Habits:

Healthy screen time habits encourage:

• physical well-being
• social and emotional growth
• brain development
• deep bonding and relationship

Limiting the screen time for a child well within the recommended amount for their appropriate ages can help parents develop healthy screen time habits. Connecting with grandparents on FaceTime or attending a meeting or class on Zoom is a far more engaging and enjoyable experience compared to just watching TV, playing video games, or using an app on your phone.

What Are the Recommended Screen Time Limits?

According to WHO ( World Health Organization), “Early childhood is a period of rapid development and a time when family lifestyle patterns can be adapted to boost health gains.”

Here’s the recommended Screen Time as per Indian Academy of Pediatrics:

Below 2 Years Age

If your baby is below 2 years old, it’s best to avoid screen time. However, it’s perfectly fine to include them in video calls with friends and family.

For 24 – 59 Months Age

Maximum of one hour of supervised screen time per day.

For Children 5-10 Years Age

Less than two hours per day.

Reference: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34969943/

NOTE: Screen time must not replace other activities such as outdoor physical activities, sleep, family and peer interaction, studies and skill development, which are necessary for overall health and development of the children and adolescents.

Tips For Setting Screen Time Limits For Kids

Spending long hours looking at screens can cause digital eyestrain. For children aged 5 to 13, their eyes are still in the development stage. Too much screen exposure can result in tiredness, double vision, itching, and a burning feeling in the eyes. Additionally, eyestrain can lead to headaches, neck discomfort, and challenges with concentration.

Here are some helpful guidelines for parents to consider:

•  Limit the use of electronic devices during family meals or activities.
•  Stick to using one screen at a time.
•  Explain to them the benefits of reducing screen time.
•  Select programs or apps that are suitable for your child’s age.
•  Encourage activities such as reading, physical play, arts, and crafts.
•  Create a warm, nurturing, supportive, and fun environment at home.
•  Audiobooks are great substitutions for screen time.

Key Takeaways:

There isn’t a universal approach, and no strict rules can be applied uniformly across all families. We recommend approaching screen time for kids similarly to how we handle junk food: a small amount is fine, but excessive consumption can lead to issues.

Contact us at 9004496621 for appointments.

Visit: Dr Vaidya Eye Hospital 202, 2nd Floor, Lotus Link Square, Andheri Link Rd, above Bank of Baroda, D.N. Nagar, Andheri West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400058.

Also, our other blog might interest you:

HOW TOO MUCH SCREEN TIME AFFECTS KIDS’ EYES: TIPS TO PREVENT EYE STRAIN

Overview 

Diabetes affects millions worldwide, often bringing complications and impacting people beyond what’s commonly understood. While many are aware of its links to heart disease, kidney issues, and other health concerns, one of its most significant yet frequently overlooked complications is Diabetic Retinopathy. If not addressed in time, this can lead to vision impairment or even blindness. The good news, however, is that it is preventable with early diagnosis and proper care.

What is Diabetic Retinopathy?

Diabetic Retinopathy is a condition that damages the blood vessels in the retina – the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye. The retina converts light into electrical signals, which are then transmitted to the brain, allowing us to see. In people with diabetes, increased blood sugar levels can damage these small retinal blood vessels, causing them to swell, leak, or even close off completely. As the condition advances, abnormal new blood vessels may develop on the retina, leading to further complications and potentially severe vision loss.

Symptoms 

What makes Diabetic Retinopathy particularly concerning is its subtle onset. In the beginning, you may not notice any changes in your vision. But as the condition advances, you could start experiencing changes like the following:

• Gradually worsening vision
• Floaters (dark spots floating in your field of vision)
• Blurred or fluctuating vision
• Dark or empty areas in your vision
• Difficulty seeing at night
• Eventually, if left untreated, vision loss

There are two main stages of Diabetic Retinopathy:

• Non-Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (NPDR) – In the early stages of Diabetic Retinopathy, the blood vessels in the retina may become weakened and leaky, but vision may not be noticeably affected. However, this stage requires careful monitoring to prevent it from advancing to more serious stages.

• Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (PDR) – As the disease advances, new, abnormal blood vessels may form, leading to scarring and possible detachment of the retina. This stage can result in significant vision loss if not treated promptly.

The Risk Factors 

• Duration of Diabetes: The longer someone has diabetes, the higher their risk for developing Diabetic Retinopathy.
• Blood Sugar Levels: When blood sugar levels remain consistently high, the risk of damage to the retina’s blood vessels increases.
• Blood Pressure: High blood pressure can accelerate the progression of Diabetic Retinopathy.
• Cholesterol Levels: Increased cholesterol can also contribute to retinal damage.
• Pregnancy: Women who are pregnant and have diabetes may experience changes in their eye health, which requires special monitoring.
• Tobacco use: Smoking heightens oxidative stress, which accelerates retinal damage in people with diabetes. Additionally, it impairs healing and can make treatments for Diabetic Retinopathy less effective, further increasing the risk of vision loss.

Prevention and Care:

The best way to manage and prevent Diabetic Retinopathy is through early detection and regular eye check-ups. People with diabetes should have their eyes checked at least once a year by an ophthalmologist. Other preventive steps include:

• Keeping the blood sugar levels within the target range.
• Controlling blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
• Adopting a healthy lifestyle (e.g., healthy diet, exercise, no smoking).
• Timely treatment if signs of Diabetic Retinopathy are detected, including options like Laser Surgery, Intravitreal Injections, or Vitrectomy to manage advanced stages.

The Importance of Early Diagnosis

The best way to prevent Diabetic Retinopathy from progressing to the point of causing permanent vision loss is early detection. During a comprehensive eye exam, your eye doctor will dilate your pupils to get a better view of the retina at the back of the eye. This allows them to check for any signs of damage or changes that could indicate the onset of retinopathy. In some cases, advanced imaging technologies like Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) may also be used to get a detailed scan of the retina, helping to detect even the slightest early changes.

Diabetic Retinopathy is a serious yet preventable complication of diabetes. With over 30 years of expertise, Dr. Vaidya Eye Hospital and our team of the best retina specialists in Mumbai are dedicated to using the latest technology to prevent and treat this condition. Early detection is key. Don’t wait for symptoms. Schedule your eye check-up today and protect your vision for years to come.