Mobile Phone Usage Causing Eye Problems Among Children In Andhra Pradesh

Eye problems among schoolchildren are emerging as a major concern in Andhra Pradesh. A campaign to check their eyes has revealed vision-related issues among lakhs of students, including children below the age of 10 years.

Doctors have expressed concern over the growing use of mobile phones and television, apart from pointing to nutritional deficiencies contributing to eye problems among children.

Under the National Programme for Control of Blindness and Visual Impairment (NPCBVI), the state government has set a target of screening 43.30 lakh students during the 2026-27 academic year. As of October 23, 15.77 lakh students have undergone eye examinations, accounting for 36 per cent of the target.

Of the students screened at both government and some private schools, 1.27 lakh have been identified with refractive errors, while 1.23 lakh of children have been recommended spectacles. The screening has suggested that a considerable number of children go for further evaluation and corrective measures.

The progress of screening has, however, been uneven across districts. Parvathipuram Manyam recorded the highest achievement at 83 per cent, followed by Srikakulam at 57 per cent, SPSR Nellore at 52 per cent, and Kurnool at 51 per cent. Anantapur recorded only 10 per cent, while Tirupati and Bapatla achieved 19 and 21 per cent screening respectively.

Doctors say early identification of vision problems is essential to prevent difficulties in learning and other day-to-day activities.

Professor P. Nivedita, an ophthalmologist in Nandyal, stressed the importance of regular eye examinations from an early age. “Children should undergo eye check-ups from their early years. Excessive use of mobile phones and watching television for long periods are matters of concern. Nutritional deficiencies can also contribute to eye-related problems,” she said.

N. Narayanamma, a homemaker from Eturu village in Khajipet mandal of Kadapa district, said her son had to wear spectacles while studying in Class VI itself. “He complained that he could not see the letters clearly. We took him for an eye examination, and he has been prescribed spectacles,” she said.

Civil surgeon specialist Dr. S. Saidanna from Anantapur district said the number of people experiencing vision problems is increasing. “Several factors may contribute to eye problems among children, including inadequate lighting while reading, poor nutrition, and excessive mobile phone use. Parents should pay attention to their children’s visual complaints and seek medical advice when necessary,” he said.

District-level findings also revealed variations in the proportion of screened children recommended spectacles, with Prakasam recording the highest proportion of 78.32 per cent and Anantapur reporting 12.89 per cent.

Doctors emphasised that the screening programme needed to be accelerated to identify children with vision problems at the earliest stage. They said timely diagnosis, appropriate spectacles, and follow-up care are essential to protect children’s eyesight and check vision difficulties from affecting their education.

State-wide Screening Programme Progress:

School Students’ Eye Screening in Select Districts

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