With the recent advancement of technology, children spend more time looking at screens than ever before. From educational videos to entertainment, screens have become an integral part of their daily lives. However, this increased screen time raises concerns about its impact on children’s vision development.

How Screens Affect Children’s Vision

Digital Eye Strain

Prolonged screen use can cause eye muscles to tire, leading to eye discomfort, headaches, blurred vision, and dry eyes. A child may also have a hard time concentrating. If you find your child frequently squinting or rubbing their eyes, they may be suffering from digital eye strain. 

Myopia (Nearsightedness)

Some studies have suggested that excessive screen time, combined with reduced outdoor time, may contribute to the increasing prevalence of myopia in children. If a child already suffers from myopia, excessive screen time could make it worse. 

Reduced Blinking and Dry Eyes

When looking at screens, children tend to blink less frequently, leading to dry and irritated eyes. Blinking spreads tears over the eye’s surface, and this film keeps the eyes clean and nourished, which is needed for optimal eye health.  

Disrupted Sleep Patterns

The blue light emitted from screens can be harmful for the retina and interfere with melatonin production, making it harder for children to fall asleep.  The lens of the eye is expteionally clear in young children, making them more prone to develop problems from blue light exposure. 

Accommodation Spasm

Excessive screen time can cause a child’s eye’s focusing system to lock up, causing blurry vision when looking away from the screen and difficulty refocusing on distant objects.

Ways to Protect Children’s Vision

Follow the 20-20-20 Rule

Encourage children to take a 20-second break every 20 minutes by looking at something 20 feet away. Children may not realize how long they’ve been using a screen, so make sure you encourage breaks when needed. 

Limit Screen Time

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends setting age-appropriate screen time limits. AAP recommends discouraging children 18 months and younger from using screens unless it is to video chat. For children 2-5 years of age, you should limit screen time to an hour a day, ideally ensuring they co-view with a parent or sibling. For children, aged 5-17, limit screen time to two hours a day with exceptions for homework or educational purposes. 

Encourage Outdoor Play

Studies indicate that spending time outdoors can reduce the risk of developing myopia. Children should spend at least one hour a day outside for optimal physical, emotional, and social development. Unstructured play outside should be encouraged. 

Adjust Screen Settings

Reduce screen brightness, increase text size, and use blue light filters to minimize eye strain. When a child is using a screen, it should always be at least 18-24 inches away. If you aren’t sure how to calculate the distance, use the elbow rule: screens and books should be an elbow-to-hand distance away. 

If you use an Apple device, you can turn on the Screen Distance Feature, which will send an alert if a screen is held too close. 

Regular Eye Checkups

Routine eye exams can help detect early signs of vision issues and prevent long-term complications. If you notice your child squinting, tilting their head, holding objects close to their eyes, or eye rubbing, they could have a vision problem.

According to The American Optometric Association, children between 6 and 12 months old should have their first eye exam and children 3 to 5 years old should have their second exam. Yearly checkups should start in the first grade. 

Other Important Considerations

Beyond regulating screens, there are a few other habits to consider when it comes to your child’s eye health:

• Ensure all toys are free from sharp edges and that sharp objects, such as scissors, are out of your child’s reach as they may accidentally injure their eyes. 

• Ensure your child gets enough sleep and eats a healthy diet as both can affect eye health.

• Encourage hand washing, especially before touching eyes, to help prevent the introduction of bacteria and infections. 

• Children should also wear sunglasses outside to protect their eyes from harmful UV rays. 

Understand the Effect of Screens on Your Child’s Vision

While screens are a valuable tool for learning and entertainment, excessive use can negatively impact children’s vision development. By implementing healthy screen habits and encouraging outdoor activities, parents can help safeguard their children’s eye health for the future.

Do you have concerns about your child’s screen time? Consider speaking with an eye care professional for personalized advice.