With school back in session, children are spending more time in front of screens—whether it’s on laptops, tablets, or smartphones. Unfortunately, prolonged screen time can cause digital eye strain, a condition that is becoming increasingly common among children and adults alike. Here’s how you can help protect your child’s eyes and prevent eye strain symptoms from impacting their health and learning.
What is Digital Eye Strain?
Digital eye strain, also known as computer vision syndrome, is a condition caused by extended periods of screen use. The symptoms of eye strain in children include:
- Blurred or hazy vision
- Eye fatigue or tired eyes
- Dry and red eyes
- Burning sensations
- Headaches
- Neck and shoulder pain
These issues occur when your child’s eyes are working hard to focus on screens for long periods, leading to discomfort and strain.
How to Prevent Digital Eye Strain in Your Child
As children increasingly rely on digital devices for schoolwork and entertainment, it’s important to help them manage screen time to avoid eye strain and other visual discomforts. Here are some eye care tips to protect your child’s vision:
1. Teach Your Child to Take Breaks
The 20-20-20 rule is a simple but effective way to reduce eye strain. Every 20 minutes, remind your child to look at an object that’s at least 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This allows their eyes to relax and reset, helping to prevent eye fatigue and discomfort.
2. Encourage Stretching and Movement
Long hours of screen use can lead to neck and shoulder pain. Encourage your child to stretch regularly, particularly their neck and eyes. Simple exercises like tilting the chin toward the chest or rolling the eyes can relieve eye strain and prevent physical discomfort.
3. Practice Good Screen Time Hygiene
Follow these guidelines to ensure healthy eye habits when your child is using digital devices:
- Position the screen 16-30 inches away from their face, ideally at eye level.
- Control the lighting in the room to reduce glare.
- Remind your child to blink more frequently to keep their eyes lubricated and comfortable.
- Limit screen usage before bed to prevent blue light from disrupting their sleep.
4. Regular Eye Exams for Your Child
To ensure your child’s eye health, schedule regular eye exams. This is especially important for children who wear glasses or contact lenses. Your eye doctor can monitor for vision problems and ensure that your child’s prescription is up to date, as well as address any eye strain symptoms early.
Frequently Asked Questions About Digital Eye Strain
Q: How often should my child have a comprehensive eye exam?
A: School-aged children should have their eyes evaluated by an optometrist every year. If your child is experiencing eye strain, frequent headaches, or difficulty with their studies, schedule an appointment with an eye doctor for a thorough eye exam.
Q: Should I invest in blue-blocking glasses for my child?
A: While research hasn’t found blue light to be harmful to eye health, it can cause eye strain and affect sleep quality. Computer glasses with blue light-blocking lenses can help reduce digital eye strain for some children. Consult your child’s optometrist to see if these glasses would be beneficial for them.
Protect Your Child’s Eyes This School Year
Digital eye strain can make your child’s school year more challenging, but with the right eye care and habits, it’s easy to prevent discomfort and protect their vision. Schedule an eye exam with our eye doctor to ensure your child’s eyes are healthy and ready for the year ahead.