Children today spend hours staring at TVs, computers, smartphones, tablets, and other digital devices. They do it mostly indoors, further aggravating their overall health and well-being. Studies show that teens spend almost seven hours a day using the devices. 

A shift to online learning has also worsened the situation. It has led to an increase in eye problems. Here's how screen time affects your child's eye health.

Screen Time and Eye Health 

Excessive screen time affects children's eyes. Failing to take breaks when using the devices can lead to eye fatigue, blurry vision, and dry eyes. Fatigue occurs as the muscles around the eyes tire from prolonged use. 

Children often experience headaches and difficulty concentrating after extended digital device use. Staring at the screen for hours can cause blurry vision. The eye-focusing system locks up temporarily, a condition known as accommodation spasm.

Screen Time and Dry Eyes 

Studies show that people blink less often when using digital devices. Blinking helps spread tears over the eye surface, which is essential for good eye health. The tear film keeps the eyes clean and nourished. 

Failing to blink can result in dry and irritated eyes, increasing the risk of infections. Digital screens are at a higher visual field than books, causing the upper eyelids to open wider. It results in the quick evaporation of tears. 

Screen Time and Myopia 

Studies suggest that too much screen time can increase the risk of developing myopia or nearsightedness. For children diagnosed with myopia, excessive screen time may worsen the condition. 

Children who spend too much time on digital devices do not get enough physical exercise and outdoor time. Exposure to natural daylight is vital for developing eyes. Spending time outdoors results in healthy vision development.  

Protecting Your Child's Eye Health 

As a parent, you can do several things to ensure your child's eyes remain healthy.  

• Monitor your child's screen time

• Ensure your child gets enough sleep

• Encourage your child to spend more time outdoors

• Ask your child to put down the digital devices and get physical exercise

• Ensure your child takes frequent breaks when using digital devices

• Remind your child to blink often when using the devices

• Ensure proper lighting in the room to reduce glare and prevent eye fatigue 

• Make sure your child's screen is positioned slightly below eye level

Schedule Regular Eye Exams

Regular vision screening and eye exams will help ensure your child has healthy eyes. If your child is experiencing blurry vision or excessive light sensitivity, visit the eye doctor. If the doctor detects an eye issue, they may recommend vision correction or management. The eye doctor may recommend special eyeglasses that filter blue light. 

While it is debatable whether blue light harms the eyes, it can make it hard for your child to sleep. If your child is diagnosed with myopia, the doctor can recommend management solutions to slow progression. 

When children's eyes remain focused on close-up tasks for long periods, it can be hard to adjust to distant vision. Excessive screen time can affect sleep and overall health. 

For more on how screen time affects your child’s eye health, visit Bright Eyes Vision at our Plymouth, Indiana office. Call (574) 936-2272 to schedule an appointment today.