“Just 5 mins more”, you would have heard this from your child every time they are in front of the screen. And we don’t realise when these 5 minutes get extended to 30 minutes. Sometimes we feel allowing the toddler to watch a quick video is not harmful. You can finish your pending tasks till then. Or maybe a cartoon during lunch so they finish the meal quickly.

But according to top eye surgeons, young children today are spending twice the recommended screen time and it could be harming their vision in ways many parents don’t realize.

Why Toddlers Are More Vulnerable To Eye Risks

A toddler’s eyes are still developing. Their visual system is not fully mature until they turn the age of 7 or 8. Too much close-up focus like staring at a phone or tablet can strain their eyes. This ultimately affects their vision development.

Doctors are noticing more cases of digital eye strain which is basically frequent rubbing and blinking. Frequent exposure to screens delays their visual development. In some cases, there is also an increased risk of early myopia which is nearsightedness.

One surgeon explained it simply: “Screens are designed to grab attention. But a young child’s eyes and brain need variety distance vision and outdoor light.

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How Much Screen Time Is Safe For Children?

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends no screen time for children under 2 and a maximum of 1 hour per day for children aged between 2 and 5 years.

But studies show most toddlers today spend 2–3 hours a day on screens and sometimes even more. That’s double or triple the safe limit.

How You Can Protect Your Child’s Eyes

Small changes in daily habits can make a big difference.

Even tiny changes in daily routine can really help. One easy trick is the 20-20-20 rule.
After about 20 minutes on a screen, get your child to look at something far away, roughly 20 feet for around 20 seconds. It gives their eyes a quick break.

Outdoor play Is A Must
Natural light is very important for healthy eye growth. Aim for at least 1–2 hours outdoors daily.

Stop Unwanted Screen Time
Keep the screen away from the dining table and bedrooms. This helps set boundaries early.

Choose bigger screens when possible
Watching a short cartoon on TV is better than handing a phone to your child. Larger screens reduce eye strain.

Watch for warning signs

• Frequent eye rubbing
• Squinting
• Blurry vision
• Headaches are red flags

Your toddler’s eyes are precious. With a little awareness and a few simple rules, you can protect their eyes and give them the best start in a digital world.