Warning issued as short-sightedness rises among kids in Croatia

The Croatian Institute of Public Health (HZJZ) has issued a new warning as short-sightedness among children in Croatia continues to rise, driven largely by excessive screen time and a lack of outdoor play.

Health experts caution that if current trends continue, every second child could experience vision problems by 2050.

The growing reliance on digital devices, combined with reduced time spent outdoors, is increasingly affecting children’s eyesight from an early age.

Specialists stress that early prevention is key and have issued clear guidelines for parents and carers.

Children under the age of two should not be exposed to screens at all, experts advise.

Between the ages of two and five, screen time should be limited to a maximum of one hour per day. For children up to the age of 12, screen use should not exceed two hours daily.

Regardless of age, it is recommended that children take regular breaks every 30 minutes when using screens.

Time spent outdoors, socialising and playing in natural light is strongly encouraged for all age groups, as it plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy vision.

Experts also emphasise the importance of recognising early warning signs of vision problems.

“Often a child will suddenly start squinting when watching television or cartoons, complain that they can no longer see the board clearly at school, or experience eye strain,” ophthalmologist Maksimilijan Mrak told Dnevnik Nova TV. “Over time, this can also lead to headaches.”

Health professionals urge parents to act promptly if they notice any of these symptoms and to ensure regular eye examinations, particularly as children spend increasing amounts of time in front of screens.

The message from experts is clear: balanced screen use, regular breaks and plenty of outdoor activity are essential to protect children’s eyesight and prevent long-term vision problems.