Watching mobile videos for hours: 6-year-old Odisha girl hospitalised

A six-year-old girl in the Nabarangpur district developed a severe infection in her eyes after watching videos on her mobile phone for several hours. She was immediately admitted to the nearby hospital by the family members after complaining of severe pain in her eyes. 

The victim has been identified as Chitralekha Gouda, daughter of Nilakantha Gouda from Taliamba Sahi under Jharigaon block in the district.

As per reports, the family members often provide a mobile phone to Chitralekha whenever she becomes restless. After being glued to the mobile screen for long hours, the little girl got a severe infection in her eyes a couple of days back. Her eyes swelled and became reddish. As a result, she felt severe pain due to the itchy and watery eyes.

Subsequently, the little girl’s family members rushed her to Umerkote Hospital. She is currently undergoing treatment at the hospital.

As per the family members, the condition of her eyes has improved following treatment.

“We were not conscious about the ill effects of mobile phones on children. Due to long exposure to the mobile screen, our child got a severe infection in her eyes. Her condition is gradually improving after getting treatment,” said Chitralekha’s father Nilakantha.

“I request all parents to be aware of the ill effects of mobile phones on children. They shouldn’t give mobile phones to the children for a long period of time as it will turn into addiction and obsession,” he added.