Bengaluru: The number of children suffering from vision impairment due to excessive use of digital devices such as mobile phones is on the rise, with 1.79 lakh cases recorded this year in Karnataka, according to health department data.

Ophthalmologists have expressed concern over the trend, attributing it to prolonged screen exposure, especially after online education became the norm during the COVID-19 pandemic. “Post-COVID, mobile phone use among children has increased significantly. This continuous usage has led to a surge in vision-related problems,” experts said.

Government health checks in anganwadis and schools aim to identify such issues early. In 2024, around 1.23 crore children were examined, and a large number were diagnosed with eye damage. The figures have shown a sharp increase—from 98,000 cases in 2022 to 1.21 lakh in 2023, and 1.79 lakh in 2024.

Doctors warn that decreased outdoor activities and high dependence on gadgets for entertainment have aggravated the problem. Children diagnosed with vision issues are being provided spectacles and free treatment through hospitals empanelled under the Swarna Suraksha Trust.

“Untreated vision problems can hamper academic performance. Parents must ensure timely eye check-ups for their children,” ophthalmologists advised.