The excessive use of electronic devices, especially mobile phones, has led to a concerning rise in the number of children and teenagers experiencing visual problems and refractive errors in the province of Sancti Spíritus.
According to a report by the state-run broadcaster Radio Sancti Spíritus, the number of young patients visiting ophthalmology clinics in the region has recently doubled. This surge is attributed to the overuse of electronic devices, sparking worries about the increase in vision-related disorders tied to this habit.
Dr. Celia Isabel Alfonso Valdivia, a first-degree specialist in General Integral Medicine and Pediatric Ophthalmology, highlighted that the indiscriminate use of mobile devices is linked to the emergence of conditions such as tubular vision, computer vision syndrome, and myopia. These health issues are recognized as global concerns.
Dr. Valdivia noted that it's common to see parents using tablets or cell phones to calm their children while waiting outside pediatric consultations, opting for this method instead of traditional toys. This practice, she mentioned, significantly contributes to the rise in patients with refractive errors.
The specialist recommended that children should not spend more than two hours in front of screens, as high-contrast images can negatively impact retinal health and visual development. The state broadcaster boasted that specialists in Sancti Spíritus are currently leading several studies to accurately determine the number of children and adolescents suffering from ocular and visual disorders due to the use of electronic devices in the province.
Recommendations for Preventing Visual Disorders
Finally, Dr. Valdivia offered a series of recommendations to mitigate these issues: limit exposure to electronic devices, take 20-minute visual breaks, reduce screen brightness, and ensure adequate lighting in areas where children are present.
Accessing prescription glasses has become a growing concern for Cubans, as prices have significantly increased. According to sources consulted by CiberCuba, the cost of a pair of glasses ranges from 5,000 to 6,000 pesos, although it can be higher depending on the prescription. Bifocal lenses, for instance, can reach up to 8,000 pesos, with the same rates applying to children's glasses.
For several years now, the shortages in Cuba have affected state-run optical stores, where neither frames nor lenses are available, forcing people to seek solutions in the informal market, where everything is imported and paid for in freely convertible currency.
FAQs on Visual Problems and Electronic Device Use
Here are some common questions and answers regarding the impact of electronic device use on children's vision and the current situation in Sancti Spíritus.
What are the main visual problems caused by excessive use of electronic devices?
Excessive use of electronic devices can lead to conditions like tubular vision, computer vision syndrome, and myopia.
What recommendations did Dr. Celia Isabel Alfonso Valdivia give to prevent visual problems in children?
She recommended limiting screen time to no more than two hours, taking 20-minute visual breaks, reducing screen brightness, and ensuring proper lighting.
How much do prescription glasses cost in Cuba currently?
The cost ranges from 5,000 to 6,000 pesos, with bifocal lenses going up to 8,000 pesos. These prices apply to both adults and children.
Why are Cubans struggling to find prescription glasses in state-run optical stores?
Due to ongoing shortages, state-run optical stores in Cuba lack both frames and lenses, forcing people to turn to the informal market for these items.