Kids, Screens, and Anxiety: What Every Optometrist Should Know

About this episode

Dr. Meenal Agarwal discusses the connection between children's screen time, visual system, and rising anxiety levels.

Children today spend more time looking at screens than any generation before them. Conversations about technology often center around digital eye strain, myopia progression, or limiting screen time, but an emerging perspective suggests the impact may reach much deeper than the eyes alone. During a recent discussion on the 20/20 Podcast, optometrist Dr. Meenal Agarwal shared observations from years of clinical practice that have led her to explore the connection between vision, spatial awareness, and the growing prevalence of anxiety among children and young adults. Her work challenges eye care professionals to think beyond visual acuity and consider how the visual system influences brain function, behavior, and emotional well-being. A Different Pattern in Today’s Children In clinical practice, many optometrists have noticed subtle but meaningful changes in younger patients. More children avoid eye contact, struggle with social interaction, hesitate to participate in team activities, or express fear about driving or navigating busy environments. While these behaviors are often associated with anxiety or attention disorders, Dr. Agarwal suggests that reduced spatial awareness…

People in this episode

Guest: Dr. Meenal Agarwal

Topics covered

• children
• screens
• anxiety
• optometry
• visual system
• spatial awareness

Keywords

• children
• screens
• anxiety
• optometry
• visual system
• spatial awareness
• digital eye strain

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