In our digital world, screens have become a part of everyday life, offering everything from educational tools to entertainment. But with all this screen time, it’s natural to worry about how it might affect our kids’ eyes. Luckily, there are ways to help protect their vision without having to unplug completely. 

How screen time affects kids’ eyes 

Spending too much time on screens can lead to a few common eye issues in children: 

• Digital eye strain: This can cause discomfort, tired eyes, blurry vision, and headaches after long periods of screen use. 
• Dry eyes: Kids often blink less when staring at screens, which can result in dry, irritated eyes. 
• Myopia (nearsightedness): Some studies suggest that more screen time, especially if it means less time outdoors, might be linked to myopia development. 
• Sleep problems: The blue light from screens can affect kids’ sleep patterns, making it harder for them to fall asleep. 

Tips for protecting your child’s vision 

Here are some practical things you can do to help keep your child’s eyes healthy: 

1. Use the 20-20-20 rule 

Encourage your child to take breaks from screens. Every 20 minutes, have them look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This simple habit helps reduce eye strain. 

2. Create screen-free zones 

Set up areas or times in your home where screens aren’t allowed, such as during family meals or the hour before bedtime. This gives their eyes a break and cuts down on blue light exposure before sleep. 

3. Adjust screen settings 

Make sure screens are easy on the eyes by adjusting brightness and contrast and ensuring text size is comfortable to read. It’s also important to position screens to avoid glare and reflections. 

4. Encourage outdoor play 

Getting outside is great for eye health and may help reduce the risk of developing myopia. Encourage your child to play outside regularly for both their vision and overall well-being. 

5. Keep a safe viewing distance 

Teach your child to keep a safe distance from screens. They should hold handheld devices approximately 25 inches away and sit at least four feet from larger screens like the TV. 

6. Schedule regular eye check-ups 

Regular visits to an eye doctor are key for catching any vision issues early. If your child mentions any discomfort or vision problems, it’s worth getting them checked out. 

Conclusion 

Finding a balance between screen time and eye health is essential in today’s tech-heavy world. By following these tips, you can help protect your child’s vision while still allowing them to enjoy and learn from their devices. 

For peace of mind and more tips on reducing the impact of screens on your kid’s eyes, schedule a pediatric eye exam with The Eye Doctors P.C. School vision screenings help detect some issues, but they are often limited in scope and are no substitute for comprehensive eye exams. Our pediatric eye exams in Sioux Falls, South Dakota ensure your child’s eyes are developing correctly, that they can see well, and that they are ready to learn. Call us today at (605) 338-7104 or use our online form to request an appointment.