CCBRT warns against letting kids stay too close to the screen

DAR ES SALAAM: AN eye specialist from CCBRT Hospital has cautioned parents not to allow their children to stay very close to televisions or smartphones, saying the blue light emitted from the screen damages the eyes and weakens eyesight.

He said the habit of locking children inside and giving them phones, watching TV for a long time, which results in the eye staying in focus for a long time, when the kid reaches six years old, the eye elongates then the kid can’t see things at a close distance.

“In the past, we played outside, the eyes that look far away become strong, while the eyes that look near become weak, and this happens when the kids are young,” he said.

Adding, he said, many children who are diagnosed with the need to wear glasses most often are discouraged by their parents, who feel glasses are only for the aged people.

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In his detailed explanation in Dar es Salaam, Dr Ntomoka said eye problems treated with glasses are due to three factors, including increased awareness about the importance of wearing them.

“In the past, a person wearing glasses was called disabled, and with education provided by experts, the awareness has increased, and many people have now responded well,” he said.

He added, “You look close; the eye contracts and becomes long to see near and to see far, the eye contracts and works without you knowing.