CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Philippines — Your phone may be in your hand all day, but the Department of Health (DOH) is reminding Filipinos that their eyes need a break, too.
The DOH Center for Health Development in Northern Mindanao (DOH-10) is urging the public to manage screen time, practice proper eye protection and undergo regular eye examinations to help prevent vision problems and avoidable blindness.
The advisory was issued during the Talakayan sa PIA: Konsultayo Series held on Aug. 7, 2026, as part of the observance of National Sight Saving Month, which carries the theme “To See Clearly and Live Fully.”
The simple rule doctors want screen users to remember
For people who spend long hours in front of computers, smartphones and other digital devices, DOH-10 Medical Officer III Dr. Clint Austine B. Quilab recommended the familiar 20-20-20 rule:
Every 20 minutes, take a break and look at something about 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.
The goal is to give the eyes a chance to relax after prolonged near-focus work.
Eye strain associated with extended screen use can include blurred vision, headaches, dry or irritated eyes and discomfort, according to pediatric eye-health guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics. The AAP also recommends regular breaks and notes that children can benefit from spending time outdoors.
Parents, take note: children also need a screen-time reset
DOH-10 specifically encouraged parents to manage gadget use among infants and very young children, urging families to replace prolonged gadget use with play, toys and outdoor activities.
The warning is consistent with broader health guidance.
The World Health Organization recommends that 1-year-olds have no sedentary screen time, while children ages 2 to 4 should have no more than one hour a day, with less being better. WHO also emphasizes active play and limiting prolonged sedentary behavior.
Local eye-health experts have raised similar concerns. In a 2025 PIA report, an ophthalmology resident from Southern Philippines Medical Center warned that excessive gadget use and prolonged near-vision activities may contribute to vision problems among children. The expert urged parents to limit gadget exposure among young children and encourage outdoor activities.
DOH Bicol has likewise warned that prolonged digital-device exposure can be associated with eye problems and highlighted the importance of early vision screening, particularly among young people.
It is not just about smartphones
The DOH reminder also covers workplace eye safety.
Workers in high-risk occupations, including welders, should use appropriate protective equipment to guard against sparks, debris and other hazards. If debris enters the eye, DOH advises against rubbing it; the eye may be rinsed with clean water or sterile saline.
For chemical exposure, the DOH-10 advisory says the eyes should be flushed immediately with water for 15 to 20 minutes, followed by medical attention.
Don’t wait until your eyesight gets worse
DOH-10 said people should seek an eye examination if they experience blurred vision, red or painful eyes, double vision or loss of vision, as these symptoms may require assessment by an eye-care professional.
The agency also warned against simply buying prescription glasses without an eye examination. An optometrist can determine the appropriate prescription instead of relying on ready-made or improperly prescribed eyewear.
The warning is particularly important for people with diabetes. DOH-10 identified diabetic retinopathy, along with cataracts and other eye conditions, among problems that can contribute to vision loss and encouraged people with diabetes to properly manage their condition and undergo regular eye screening.
The bigger message: protect your eyesight before problems become permanent
The DOH’s latest reminder does not mean that every minute spent looking at a screen will damage your eyes. Rather, health experts are emphasizing healthier habits: take regular breaks, avoid prolonged uninterrupted near work, encourage children to play outdoors, use protective eyewear when necessary and seek professional evaluation when vision changes occur.
For children, the evidence also points to the value of outdoor time. The American Academy of Pediatrics notes that more outdoor activity may support healthier vision development, while ophthalmology literature has documented an association between increased outdoor activity and lower myopia risk in children.
The takeaway is simple: before another scroll, another game or another long work session, give your eyes a break.
Because when blurred vision, pain or other warning signs finally appear, it may already be time to stop scrolling and start seeing an eye-care professional.
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