Zoom fatigue and myopia in kids are becoming alarming health issues, according to UAE doctors, as summer screen time spikes among children. With schools closed and temperatures too high for outdoor play, more children are turning to tablets, smartphones, and gaming consoles for extended periods, leading to sharp rises in eye strain and sleep disorders.
Dr Vaibhav Sharma of Aster Clinic, Bur Dubai, confirmed that many children now show symptoms of Digital Eye Strain (DES)—blurry vision, dry eyes, headaches, and difficulty focusing. He noted that most children use screens for entertainment without taking regular breaks, worsening these conditions.
Dr Mahmoud Elsenbawy from Burjeel Medical Center in Abu Dhabi has observed more specific and evolving conditions. While DES remains a frequent diagnosis, newer concerns such as Screen-Induced Dry Eye and Digital Visual Fatigue have emerged. These conditions are now more common due to prolonged and uninterrupted screen usage.
Doctors have particularly noted a growing number of cases involving digital myopia, or near-sightedness. Dr Sharma warned that excessive time spent on small-screen handheld devices without outdoor exposure accelerates myopia in children. Outdoor light and visual distance changes naturally help regulate eye growth. Without this exposure, myopia progresses quickly, creating a public health concern due to the risk of long-term retinal issues.
The rise in Zoom fatigue, once a term used mostly during the pandemic, has now expanded to describe mental and cognitive burnout from continuous use of digital platforms. Children juggling virtual summer camps, online learning, and social media experience mental exhaustion, poor focus, and eye discomfort, said Dr Elsenbawy.
Screen-Induced Dry Eye, or evaporative dry eye, occurs when children blink less while using screens. Parents often miss early signs such as eye rubbing, tearing, or a gritty feeling. Left unaddressed, it can lead to chronic discomfort and worsened visual health.
Another issue seen in clinics is accommodative spasm, where the eyes become temporarily “stuck” in near-focus mode, making it difficult to see distant objects clearly. Though sometimes mistaken for worsening myopia, this condition is reversible with timely intervention and rest from close-up screen work.
Doctors also stress that blue light from devices poses serious threats to children’s sleep. Exposure to blue light, especially during evening hours, suppresses melatonin—the hormone that regulates sleep—and disrupts circadian rhythms. As a result, many children now suffer from late sleep onset, frequent night waking, and poor-quality rest. These disruptions lead to daytime sleepiness, reduced school performance, and mood swings.
Dr Sharma and Dr Elsenbawy classify this problem under the broader Blue Light Hazard, which not only affects the eyes but also impacts overall wellness, especially brain function and hormonal balance in growing children.
To help parents tackle Zoom fatigue and myopia in kids, UAE doctors suggest several evidence-based strategies. First, apply the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, children should look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This reduces eye strain and keeps eye muscles flexible. Second, limit recreational screen time to under two hours daily and encourage at least 90–120 minutes of outdoor activity.
They also recommend creating a digital sunset by turning off all screens 60 to 90 minutes before bedtime. This helps restore natural melatonin cycles and improves sleep quality. Activating blue light filters or using “night mode” on devices can further reduce risks.
Promoting alternative evening routines—such as storytelling, reading physical books, or quiet games—can also aid emotional regulation and relaxation. These screen-free habits help reset the brain and improve sleep readiness.
The warnings from UAE doctors come at a critical time when screen dependence is increasing, especially among younger users. If left unaddressed, these digital lifestyle effects could create long-term health consequences. However, with structured screen limits, regular outdoor time, and conscious bedtime routines, families can help children maintain their visual and cognitive health.
