What is causing the increase in childhood squint cases?

Excessive mobile phone use is identified as a major factor behind the rising number of children developing squint, particularly since the Covid-19 pandemic.

How does mobile phone use lead to squint?

Continuous focus on mobile screens from close distances causes eye muscles to contract, leading to strain, disrupted coordination, and potentially strabismus.

What are the consequences of untreated squint in children?

Untreated squint can lead to amblyopia or 'lazy eye,' causing permanent vision loss, and may also result in low confidence and social difficulties for children.

Home / Health / Screen Time Blamed for Rising Childhood Squint Cases

Screen Time Blamed for Rising Childhood Squint Cases

15 Feb

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Summary

Excessive mobile use linked to increased childhood squint cases post-pandemic.
Prolonged screen focus causes eye muscle strain and disrupts coordination.
Early detection and intervention prevent vision loss and psychological issues.

Screen Time Blamed for Rising Childhood Squint Cases

Excessive mobile phone use is increasingly identified as a primary cause for the growing number of children developing squint (strabismus), according to ophthalmologists at KGMU. Cases have notably increased since the Covid-19 pandemic, with specialists observing at least two children daily with symptoms.

Continuous focus on small mobile screens from close distances causes eye muscles to contract constantly. This prolonged strain can disrupt binocular coordination, potentially leading to eyes turning inward or outward, a condition known as strabismus.