{"id":45521,"date":"2026-07-10T06:54:42","date_gmt":"2026-07-10T06:54:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/insider18.com\/?p=45521"},"modified":"2026-07-10T07:07:56","modified_gmt":"2026-07-10T07:07:56","slug":"doctors-stress-more-time-outdoors-for-children-saying-screens-arent-the-only-cause-of-vision-issues","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/insider18.com\/index.php\/2026\/07\/10\/doctors-stress-more-time-outdoors-for-children-saying-screens-arent-the-only-cause-of-vision-issues\/","title":{"rendered":"Doctors Stress More Time Outdoors for Children, Saying Screens Aren’t the Only Cause of Vision Issues."},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Children younger than 10 are more susceptible to vision problems because their eyes are still developing, and early eye issues can increase the likelihood of more serious conditions in adulthood.<\/h4>

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Eye care specialists across the UAE are observing a recurring trend at the end of every summer holiday. As schools reopen and children return to their regular routines, clinics experience an increase in young patients seeking treatment for vision-related complaints. Many children arrive with symptoms such as difficulty seeing distant objects clearly, frequent headaches, tired eyes, and discomfort after prolonged periods of reading or using digital devices.<\/p>

According to ophthalmologists and optometrists, these complaints are becoming more common each year, and one of the biggest concerns is the age at which they are appearing. In the past, nearsightedness\u2014also known as myopia\u2014was more frequently diagnosed in children during their later primary school years. Today, however, eye specialists are seeing signs of the condition in much younger children, raising concerns about how early vision changes may affect their eye health as they grow.<\/p>

Doctors explain that myopia develops when the eye grows too long from front to back or when the cornea curves excessively, causing light rays to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it. As a result, distant objects appear blurry while nearby objects remain clear. Although myopia can often be corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or other treatments, early onset increases the likelihood that the condition will worsen over time.<\/p>

Specialists say the shift toward younger diagnoses is linked to changes in children’s daily lifestyles. Modern technology has become an integral part of childhood, with digital screens now used for entertainment, communication, and education from a very early age. Tablets, smartphones, laptops, televisions, and gaming consoles are part of many children’s everyday routines, often resulting in extended periods of close-up visual activity.<\/p>

Many toddlers now spend time watching videos or educational content on tablets, while older children regularly use smartphones for messaging, social media, online learning, and gaming. Although digital devices provide educational and recreational benefits, eye care professionals warn that excessive screen exposure, particularly without adequate breaks, may place additional strain on developing eyes.<\/p>

However, doctors emphasise that screen use alone is not solely responsible for the increase in childhood myopia. Another important factor is the reduction in outdoor activity. Compared with previous generations, many children now spend less time playing outside and more time indoors engaged in close-range tasks.<\/p>

Research suggests that spending time outdoors may help support healthy eye development. Natural daylight and opportunities to focus on objects at varying distances are believed to play an important role in reducing the likelihood of developing myopia or slowing its progression.<\/p>

Eye specialists therefore encourage parents to create a balanced daily routine that combines responsible screen use with regular outdoor activities. Encouraging children to spend time in parks, playgrounds, sports fields, or other outdoor environments may help promote better visual development while also supporting overall physical and mental wellbeing.<\/p>

Medical professionals also advise parents to watch for early warning signs that could indicate a vision problem. Children may not always realise that their eyesight has changed, making routine observation particularly important.<\/p>

Some common symptoms include:<\/p>

  • Squinting when looking at distant objects.<\/p><\/li>

  • Sitting unusually close to the television.<\/p><\/li>

  • Holding books or electronic devices very near the face.<\/p><\/li>

  • Complaining of headaches after reading or screen use.<\/p><\/li>

  • Frequent eye rubbing.<\/p><\/li>

  • Difficulty seeing classroom boards.<\/p><\/li>

  • Reduced interest in activities requiring distance vision.<\/p><\/li><\/ul>

    Early identification of these symptoms allows families to seek professional eye examinations before vision problems become more severe.<\/p>

    Doctors stress that routine eye examinations remain one of the most effective ways to monitor children’s visual development. Even if a child does not report any obvious symptoms, regular vision screenings can identify developing problems before they begin affecting academic performance or daily activities.<\/p>

    The growing concern among UAE eye specialists reflects a broader international trend. Around the world, healthcare professionals are reporting increasing rates of childhood myopia across different regions and populations.<\/p>

    These observations are supported by scientific research published in recent years. A comprehensive review released in 2024 in the British Journal of Ophthalmology<\/em> examined findings from numerous international studies and found that childhood myopia has become considerably more common over the past several decades.<\/p>

    According to the analysis, approximately one-quarter of children were affected by myopia during the 1990s. More recent data collected between 2020 and 2023 indicate that the proportion has increased to more than one-third of children worldwide.<\/p>

    Researchers also project that the number of children and adolescents living with myopia will continue to rise significantly over the coming decades. Current estimates suggest that by 2050, nearly 740 million young people globally could be affected by the condition if existing trends continue.<\/p>

    Experts believe multiple factors are contributing to this increase, including greater dependence on digital technology, increased educational demands involving prolonged near work, urban lifestyles with reduced outdoor exposure, and changing recreational habits.<\/p>

    Despite these concerns, doctors say there are practical steps families can take to help protect children’s eyesight. Limiting unnecessary recreational screen time, encouraging frequent breaks during close-up activities, ensuring adequate lighting while reading, scheduling regular eye examinations, and promoting outdoor play can all contribute to healthier visual development.<\/p>

    Parents are also encouraged to model healthy digital habits themselves by establishing screen-free family activities and creating opportunities for children to participate in outdoor sports, cycling, walking, and other forms of physical exercise.<\/p>

    While technology is likely to remain an important part of children’s lives, eye care professionals believe maintaining a healthy balance between digital activities and time spent outdoors may play an important role in supporting long-term eye health. As more children develop vision problems at increasingly younger ages, early awareness, preventive measures, and regular professional eye care are becoming more important than ever.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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    Outdoor time emerges as a key protective factor<\/strong><\/h3>

    UAE Eye Specialist Highlights Growing Concern Over Childhood Myopia and Changing Lifestyle Habits<\/h2>

    Dr Alaa Khalil Arrat, Specialist Ophthalmology at Burjeel Medical Center, Al Shamkha, has described the increasing number of children developing myopia, or short-sightedness, as a concern that extends beyond individual eye clinics and has become a broader public health issue.<\/p>

    According to Dr Arrat, childhood myopia has traditionally been viewed as a common vision condition that can be managed with corrective measures. However, the growing number of young patients being diagnosed at increasingly earlier ages suggests that lifestyle changes are playing a significant role in the rising prevalence of the condition.<\/p>

    While family history and genetics continue to be among the strongest contributors to myopia risk, Dr Arrat explained that hereditary factors alone do not explain the rapid growth in cases being observed worldwide. She noted that the daily habits and environments of children have changed significantly over recent years, creating new challenges for maintaining healthy vision.<\/p>

    “The biggest difference today is not only who children are genetically, but how they spend their days,” she explained. Modern childhood has become increasingly centred around indoor activities, digital learning, entertainment, and prolonged periods of focusing on nearby objects.<\/p>

    Screen Exposure and Reduced Outdoor Time<\/h2>

    Research conducted in recent years has highlighted a possible relationship between increased screen use and the growing number of children developing myopia. Studies available up to late 2024 suggest that longer periods spent using digital devices may be linked with a higher likelihood of developing short-sightedness.<\/p>

    One analysis found that each additional hour children spend on screens daily may increase the chances of developing myopia by around 21 per cent. However, eye specialists emphasise that digital devices should not be considered the only cause of the problem.<\/p>

    Dr Arrat explained that the issue is more complex because screens often replace activities that support healthy eye development, particularly outdoor play.<\/p>

    “The concern is not simply the presence of screens, but what children are missing because of them,” she said. Spending less time outdoors means children have fewer opportunities to experience natural light and regularly focus on objects at different distances, both of which are considered important factors in supporting normal visual development.<\/p>

    Experts believe that outdoor exposure may have a protective effect against the onset and progression of myopia. As children spend more hours indoors using electronic devices, reading, studying, or participating in other close-up activities, the balance between near work and distance vision changes.<\/p>

    Impact of Pandemic Restrictions on Children’s Eye Health<\/h2>

    Dr Arrat also pointed to the Covid-19 pandemic as a period that brought greater attention to the connection between children’s routines and eyesight.<\/p>

    During lockdown periods, many children experienced major changes in their daily schedules. Schools shifted to online learning, outdoor activities were restricted, and screen dependence increased significantly as children relied on devices for both education and entertainment.<\/p>

    Eye specialists around the world reported increases in myopia-related concerns during and after these periods. The experience highlighted how environmental factors, including reduced outdoor exposure and increased near-focused activities, can influence children’s eye health.<\/p>

    Children Developing Myopia at Younger Ages<\/h2>

    Another major concern among ophthalmologists is the younger age at which children are now being diagnosed with myopia.<\/p>

    Dr Arrat explained that previous generations often developed short-sightedness during later childhood, commonly around eight to ten years of age. Today, however, eye specialists are increasingly seeing children as young as five or six years old showing signs of the condition.<\/p>

    In some cases, symptoms are appearing even earlier, which raises concerns because myopia that begins at a younger age has more time to progress throughout childhood and adolescence.<\/p>

    When myopia develops early, children may experience a longer period of eye growth associated with worsening vision. Higher levels of myopia are linked with an increased risk of serious eye conditions later in life, including certain retinal problems and other complications.<\/p>

    Why Younger Children Require Greater Attention<\/h2>

    Children under the age of 10 are considered particularly vulnerable because their eyes and visual systems are still undergoing important stages of development.<\/p>

    During these years, healthy visual habits can play an important role in shaping long-term eye health. Excessive close-up work combined with limited outdoor activity may contribute to changes in how children’s eyes develop.<\/p>

    Dr Arrat stressed that early detection is essential because many children may not recognise or communicate that their vision has changed. They may adapt to blurred vision without realising there is a problem, especially if the condition develops gradually.<\/p>

    Parents and teachers can help identify possible warning signs, including difficulty seeing objects at a distance, sitting very close to screens, struggling to read classroom boards, frequent headaches, eye discomfort, or reduced participation in activities that require clear distance vision.<\/p>

    Unique Challenges for Families in the UAE<\/h2>

    For families living in the UAE, environmental conditions can create additional challenges when encouraging children to spend more time outdoors.<\/p>

    Dr Arrat explained that extremely high temperatures during certain months make outdoor activities more difficult, particularly during the peak summer season. As a result, many children spend extended periods indoors, where they are more likely to engage with digital devices.<\/p>

    “When outdoor activities become limited because of weather conditions, indoor routines often become centred around screens,” she said.<\/p>

    This seasonal pattern is noticeable in eye clinics, where specialists frequently observe an increase in children seeking consultations after the summer break. According to Dr Arrat, every August brings a noticeable rise in young patients reporting symptoms such as blurred distance vision, tired eyes, and discomfort after prolonged indoor activities.<\/p>

    Encouraging Healthier Vision Habits<\/h2>

    Eye specialists recommend that families adopt practical measures to support children’s eyesight while recognising that digital devices are now a normal part of modern life.<\/p>

    Parents can help by creating a healthier balance between screen-based activities and outdoor experiences. Simple steps include encouraging children to take regular breaks during close-up tasks, limiting unnecessary recreational screen use, ensuring proper lighting while studying, and making time for outdoor activities whenever possible.<\/p>

    Regular eye examinations are also important, especially for children who show symptoms or have a family history of myopia. Early diagnosis allows doctors to monitor changes and recommend appropriate management strategies.<\/p>

    A Growing Need for Awareness<\/h2>

    Dr Arrat’s observations reflect a wider concern among eye health professionals worldwide. As technology becomes increasingly integrated into children’s education and entertainment, maintaining healthy visual habits has become an important part of childhood wellbeing.<\/p>

    Experts say the goal is not to eliminate screen use completely but to create a balanced lifestyle where children have enough opportunities for outdoor activity, physical movement, and natural visual experiences.<\/p>

    With myopia appearing at younger ages than before, awareness among parents, schools, and communities can play a key role in protecting children’s long-term eye health. Early action, regular monitoring, and healthier daily routines may help reduce the impact of this growing vision challenge.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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    \u00a0<\/h2>

    Eye Specialists Warn That Myopia Is Appearing Earlier Among Children as Lifestyle Habits Change<\/h2>

    Eye specialists in the UAE are observing a noticeable change in the pattern of childhood myopia, with younger children increasingly arriving at clinics with signs of short-sightedness. What was once more commonly diagnosed among older school-going children is now being identified in children at much earlier ages, raising concerns among medical professionals about the long-term effects on vision.<\/p>

    Dr Syed Muhammad Saad, Specialist Ophthalmologist at International Modern Hospital Dubai, said childhood myopia is no longer limited to children in the later years of primary school. In his clinical experience, more young children are now showing symptoms associated with developing vision problems, indicating a shift in the age group affected by the condition.<\/p>

    Myopia occurs when the eye grows in a way that causes distant objects to appear unclear while nearby objects remain easier to see. Although the condition can usually be corrected with prescription glasses, contact lenses, or other treatments, doctors are concerned about cases that begin at a very young age because early-onset myopia has more years to progress.<\/p>

    According to Dr Saad, the increase in childhood short-sightedness is not linked to one single cause. Instead, several factors appear to be contributing to the growing number of cases worldwide. These include genetic background, increased dependence on close-up activities, greater exposure to digital screens, and reduced opportunities for outdoor play.<\/p>

    Multiple Factors Behind Rising Childhood Myopia<\/h2>

    Family history remains one of the strongest indicators of whether a child may develop myopia. Children with one or both parents affected by short-sightedness may have a higher likelihood of developing the condition themselves.<\/p>

    However, Dr Saad explained that genetics alone cannot fully explain the rapid increase in cases seen in recent years. Changes in children’s daily routines and environments have also played an important role.<\/p>

    Modern childhood involves more activities that require prolonged near vision. Reading, writing, online classes, gaming, watching videos, and using smartphones all require children to focus on objects at a short distance for extended periods.<\/p>

    While these activities are not harmful when balanced properly, specialists say spending many hours without breaks can contribute to eye fatigue and may increase the risk of developing vision problems, particularly when combined with limited outdoor exposure.<\/p>

    Signs Parents Should Watch For<\/h2>

    Dr Saad said many children under the age of 10 are now visiting eye clinics with symptoms that may indicate developing myopia. These signs can sometimes be subtle, making awareness among parents especially important.<\/p>

    Common symptoms include:<\/p>

    • Frequent headaches after reading or using digital devices.<\/p><\/li>

    • Complaints of tired or uncomfortable eyes.<\/p><\/li>

    • Excessive blinking.<\/p><\/li>

    • Difficulty seeing objects clearly from a distance.<\/p><\/li>

    • Trouble reading information displayed on classroom boards.<\/p><\/li>

    • Sitting unusually close to televisions or screens.<\/p><\/li>

    • Holding phones, tablets, or books very close to the face.<\/p><\/li><\/ul>

      Parents are often the first to notice behavioural changes. A child may unknowingly adjust their habits to compensate for unclear vision, such as moving closer to objects or avoiding activities that require good distance eyesight.<\/p>

      Because children may not always recognise that their vision has changed, regular eye examinations are important even when no obvious concerns are reported.<\/p>

      Pandemic Period Accelerated Lifestyle Changes<\/h2>

      Dr Saad noted that the age at which children are presenting with myopia appears to have shifted in recent years, particularly following the Covid-19 pandemic.<\/p>

      During periods of lockdown and remote learning, many children experienced a major increase in indoor activities. Online education required longer hours in front of computers and tablets, while restrictions on outdoor movement reduced opportunities for children to spend time outside.<\/p>

      Although these changes were necessary at the time, specialists believe they may have contributed to habits that continued even after restrictions ended. Increased screen dependence, reduced outdoor play, and more time spent on close-up tasks have remained part of many children’s routines.<\/p>

      The Importance of Balance Rather Than Complete Screen Removal<\/h2>

      While digital devices are now an unavoidable part of modern education and communication, Dr Saad said the goal should not be to remove technology completely from children’s lives.<\/p>

      Instead, he encouraged families to focus on creating healthier routines that include a balance between screen-based activities and outdoor experiences.<\/p>

      Recommended measures include allowing children to spend around one to two hours outdoors each day whenever possible, reducing unnecessary recreational screen time among younger children, and encouraging regular breaks during activities that require prolonged near focus.<\/p>

      The “20-20-20” approach is often recommended by eye specialists, where children take a short break every 20 minutes to look at something approximately 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Such habits can help reduce digital eye strain.<\/p>

      Routine eye examinations are also an important part of prevention, allowing doctors to identify changes early and monitor the child’s vision over time.<\/p>

      UAE Specialists Highlight Global Concern<\/h2>

      Dr Vaibhav Sharma, Specialist Ophthalmology at Aster Clinic, Bur Dubai, has also expressed concern about the growing number of children developing myopia at younger ages.<\/p>

      He explained that the trend is not limited to the UAE but reflects a worldwide increase in childhood short-sightedness. Research from different countries shows that myopia rates have risen significantly over recent decades, with experts predicting that a large proportion of the global population could be affected by the condition in the future.<\/p>

      Dr Sharma said the growing numbers highlight the importance of taking preventive measures during childhood, when lifestyle habits can have a significant impact on eye development.<\/p>

      Screens Are Not the Only Issue<\/h2>

      Although digital devices are frequently blamed for increasing rates of myopia, Dr Sharma explained that the issue is more complicated than simply screen exposure.<\/p>

      He said the concern is not only about children looking at screens but also about the activities they may be missing while spending long periods indoors.<\/p>

      When children spend several hours using phones, tablets, computers, or gaming devices, they often have less time for outdoor activities that support healthy eye development.<\/p>

      Outdoor environments provide children with exposure to natural daylight and allow them to regularly focus on objects at different distances. These experiences are believed to play a protective role in reducing the likelihood of developing myopia.<\/p>

      Outdoor Time as a Simple Preventive Measure<\/h2>

      For parents looking for practical ways to protect their children’s eyesight, Dr Sharma highlighted outdoor activity as one of the most effective steps they can take.<\/p>

      He recommended that children spend around two hours outside each day whenever possible. Regular outdoor play, sports, walking, cycling, or simply spending time in natural light can contribute positively to eye health.<\/p>

      Research has consistently suggested that increased outdoor exposure may reduce the risk of developing myopia, particularly among children who are genetically more likely to develop the condition.<\/p>

      Building Healthier Habits for Children’s Vision<\/h2>

      Experts say protecting children’s eyesight does not require completely avoiding technology. Instead, families should aim for a balanced lifestyle that combines responsible screen use with activities that support physical and visual development.<\/p>

      Parents can help by setting reasonable screen limits, encouraging outdoor hobbies, creating screen-free family activities, ensuring children maintain good posture while reading or using devices, and arranging regular vision checks.<\/p>

      Schools also have an important role by promoting eye-friendly learning environments, encouraging outdoor breaks, and identifying students who may be struggling to see clearly in classrooms.<\/p>

      Early Awareness Can Make a Difference<\/h2>

      As more children develop myopia at younger ages, specialists believe early awareness and preventive care are becoming increasingly important.<\/p>

      Recognising warning signs, arranging timely eye examinations, and encouraging healthier daily routines can help families manage children’s vision more effectively.<\/p>

      Doctors emphasise that technology will remain a part of children’s lives, but maintaining a healthy balance between digital activities and outdoor experiences can support better eye health and reduce the potential impact of rising childhood myopia rates.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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      UAE doctors encourage parents to let children spend more time outdoors, explaining that increasing vision problems cannot be blamed on screen exposure alone and involve several contributing factors.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":37187,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"pmpro_default_level":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[11,13,9],"tags":[],"post_template":[],"top_category":[],"class_list":["post-45521","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-health","category-lifestyle","category-uae","pmpro-has-access"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/insider18.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/45521","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/insider18.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/insider18.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/insider18.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/insider18.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=45521"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/insider18.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/45521\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":45526,"href":"https:\/\/insider18.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/45521\/revisions\/45526"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/insider18.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/37187"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/insider18.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=45521"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/insider18.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=45521"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/insider18.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=45521"},{"taxonomy":"post_template","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/insider18.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/post_template?post=45521"},{"taxonomy":"top_category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/insider18.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/top_category?post=45521"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}