The growing popularity of smartphones, tablets, and other digital screens in young children is raising concerns about eye health, and ophthalmologists say too much near-screen use in kids’ eyes could result in myopia, dry eye, and other visual problems.
Due to the high prevalence of myopia among children and the progress towards eye-care research, Dr. Radhika Tandon, Chief and Professor of Ophthalmology at AIIMS Delhi, talked about the challenges of changing lifestyles and the progress in ophthalmology.
Dr. Tandon mentioned the increasing usage of mobile phones and other screens by toddlers as a concern. She described it as an unfortunate social trend and said that the increasing exposure of very young children to near devices is contributing to eye-related problems.
Children can be provided with alternative forms of entertainment rather than being exposed to screens at very close distances, said the ophthalmologist. The threat comes as smartphones and tablets have become ubiquitous in entertainment, education and young children's lives as well as keeping them occupied.
Myopia, commonly known as short-sightedness, is a condition where distant objects seem blurry to the eye and near objects are more clearly discernible. Childhood myopia may develop in childhood and progress as young people grow. Research has focused on the effect of near activities and less time spent outdoors on childhood myopia.
Dr. Tandon also emphasized the larger developments in eye care and ophthalmology. For people suffering from degenerative eye disease, research is continuing into genetic disorders, and gene therapy could be a future option, she added.
#WATCH | Delhi: On the rising cases of myopia due to increasing screen time in children and advancements in eye care, Dr. Radhika Tandon, Chief and Professor of Ophthalmology at AIIMS Delhi, says, "...There is research going on to look at the various genetic disorders and any… pic.twitter.com/UwJPoowCd4
— ANI (@ANI) August 18, 2026
Gene therapy research is one of the emerging areas that could transform the treatment of certain inherited or degenerative diseases. Genetic interventions will eventually address underlying causes rather than treat symptoms.
Another major field of research mentioned by Dr. Tandon is diabetic retinopathy, a diabetes-related eye complication that can damage the retina and potentially cause vision loss if not detected and treated correctly.
Technology is increasingly becoming part of efforts to detect diabetic retinopathy at an earlier stage. Dr. Tandon referred to AI-based screening systems as one area of ongoing research. Artificial intelligence may be an effective tool in healthcare systems to help identify patients with large volumes of patients to be screened and individuals who may need further evaluation by a specialist.
But technological development is not limited to diagnosis. Dr. Tandon also discussed what is called operational research—studies that aim to improve how patients navigate through the healthcare system.
We need to examine better patient referrals, more follow-up appointments, and more efficient treatment so that patients will be able to access treatment. Better systems of referral and follow-up can be particularly important in cases when early detection and ongoing monitoring are crucial for optimal outcomes.
Medical research and technology could therefore be key to improving eye care services. AI-based screening, improved referral systems and advancements in therapies might help healthcare providers manage increasing demands more efficiently.
At the same time, prevention is still an important part of protecting children’s vision. The increasing availability of personal digital devices means parents and caregivers have to start their own screen habits at an early age.
Dr. Tandon’s comments underline the need to avoid unnecessary close-up screen exposure for toddlers and encourage other forms of entertainment and activity. Outdoor play, physical activity, books and age-appropriate interaction could be alternatives to keeping young children occupied with mobile devices.
The issue also illustrates the larger problem families face in the digital age. Screens are now so embedded into everyday life that it is simply not possible to avoid them completely for most children. It is therefore much more about responsible use, good habits and digital activities not completely replacing other forms of childhood activity.
But in the meantime, developments in ophthalmology have brought some optimism. Research on genetic disorders, gene therapy, screening of diabetic retinopathy and AI-assisted healthcare can help us to get better at detecting and treating eye diseases in the future.
The AIIMS Delhi ophthalmology expert’s message is both cautious and optimistic: medical science is advancing fast, but protecting children’s eyes also means watching out for habits. Limiting unnecessary near-screen exposure and promoting healthier alternatives can be the key to preventing avoidable eye problems as kids grow up.
