Surge in Zoom fatigue, myopia in kids linked to screen time, say UAE doctors

Dubai: Doctors in the UAE are warning of a sharp rise in eye-related and sleep disorders among children this summer, as screen time hits a seasonal high amid scorching temperatures.
“We’ve observed a noticeable surge in children presenting with symptoms of Digital Eye Strain (DES) and related conditions,” said Dr Vaibhav Sharma, Specialist Ophthalmology, Aster Clinic, Bur Dubai (AJMC).
“With schools closed and temperatures soaring outdoors, many children turn to screens for entertainment, often spending excessive time on tablets, gaming consoles, or smartphones. This prolonged exposure – without adequate breaks – has led to increased complaints of blurry vision, dry eyes, headaches, and difficulty focusing,” Dr Sharma said.

Dr Mahmoud Elsenbawy, Specialist Ophthalmologist at Burjeel Medical Center, Al Shamkha, Abu Dhabi, noted a spectrum of newer, screen-related vision syndromes.
“While Digital Eye Strain (DES) remains a commonly known issue, the presentations we’re seeing today point toward more specific, evolving conditions like Screen-Induced Dry Eye and Digital Visual Fatigue,” Dr Elsenbawy said.

Doctors reported a marked increase in these screen-induced disorders:

Digital Myopia (Near-sightedness)

Children spending extended periods on handheld devices without outdoor breaks are showing faster progression of myopia.
“We’ve noted a rise in cases of progressive myopia in children, largely due to excessive near work, particularly on handheld devices like tablets and smartphones, which have smaller screens,” Dr Sharma said.
“The lack of outdoor activities, which naturally help regulate eye growth, further exacerbates the issue. This goes beyond simple refractive error; progressive myopia is a long-term public health concern, as high myopia significantly increases the risk of retinal complications later in life,” Dr Sharma pointed out.

Zoom Fatigue

Initially linked to video calls during the pandemic, the term now encompasses cognitive burnout from switching rapidly between social media apps, videos, and games.
“More than just visual strain, this includes cognitive and mental fatigue from prolonged virtual interaction. Children attending back-to-back online sessions, even during summer courses or virtual camps, often report difficulty focusing, eye strain, and mental burnout,” Dr Elsenbawy said.

Screen-Induced Dry Eye

This condition, also known as Evaporative Dry Eye, results from reduced blinking during screen use. “In children, it often goes unnoticed until it worsens. Symptoms include gritty eyes, tearing, and eye rubbing,” noted Dr Elsenbawy.

Accommodative Spasm

This occurs when eye muscles become “locked” into close-up focus, making it hard to see distant objects after screen use. Often mistaken for worsening myopia, it is reversible with timely intervention.

Doctors are also raising red flags about the blue light emitted from screens, which disrupts sleep cycles by suppressing melatonin – the hormone that regulates sleep.

“Blue light exposure, especially during evening hours, can delay sleep onset and reduce sleep quality. We’re seeing more children with disturbed sleep patterns, increased fatigue, and daytime drowsiness – all of which impact school readiness, focus, and mood,” said Dr Sharma.
Dr Elsenbawy added: “This phenomenon is now commonly referred to as part of the Blue Light Hazard, affecting not just the eyes but also overall wellness.”

Both specialists offered key prevention strategies:

Enforce screen breaks: Follow the 20-20-20 rule – every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

Limit recreational screen time: Keep it under 2 hours per day; ensure 90–120 minutes of outdoor play.

Introduce a ‘Digital Sunset’: Turn off all screens at least 60–90 minutes before bedtime.

Use blue light filters: Enable ‘night shift’ modes on devices.

Promote screen-free winding-down routines: Encourage storytelling, quiet play, or reading printed books.