DIGITAL DEVICE OVERUSE DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC AND VISUAL IMPAIRMENT AMONG CHILDREN: IS THERE A RISK FOR LONG-TERM EFFECTS?

Global school closures and home quarantine caused by the COVID-19 pandemic increases digital screen time and the overall time spent on near work while decreasing outdoor time especially among school-going children, which can cause serious factors associated with asthenopia, refractive errors, low visual acuity, and accommodative insufficiency. Professionals believe that ophthalmologists now have an opportunity to draw attention to the problem, raise awareness among parents, children, and teachers, and eventually influence policymakers to develop strategies that will help children and students as well as parents and relevant institutions to deal with this issue even beyond the pandemic. Prompt implementation of adequate public and school policies and eye care services globally, effective planning of public health measures for prevention and treatment of myopia must be part of the crucial measures in the future. The consequences of widespread acceptance of digital devices in all spheres of public life by affecting visual function also affect learning, school performance, development of children, and thus their future.