KATHMANDU: An optometrist has warned that online classrooms run by schools could cause severe eye problems in children.
Deepak Kumar Shah, Spokesperson at the Nepalese Association of Optometrists, said that even small children could witness the immediate and long-term effects on the eyes when they look at the digital screen for a long time.
He said that now students spend more than eight hours on the screen while using mobiles and laptops for online classes, online homework, additional television and other purposes, which is fatal for the eyes.
Shah said that prolonged screen time could cause immediate problems such as burning sensation, stinging, difficulty in seeing, dry eyes and as a long-term effect, there is a risk of loss of vision along with far-sightedness.
Online class of fewer than 30 minutes can be conducted for children below class one, two classes of 45 minutes for class one to eight, and four classes of 45 minutes for children from class nine to 12.
Similarly, four classes can be conducted for children above class 12 at a maximum time of 45 minutes per class, he added.
He said that while taking online classes, one should sit in a room where light and air circulate, get up every 20 minutes and look at 20 meters for 20 seconds, drink plenty of water and do eye exercises.
He said that even though eye protection glasses are being sold in the market, its effectiveness has not been confirmed. So, it would be better to spend as little time on the screen as possible.
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