
How Screen Time Impacts Children’s Vision and How to Manage It
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From online classes to video games and streaming apps, screen time has become a daily part of life for many children. While technology can offer educational benefits and entertainment, too much screen exposure especially without proper precautions can take a toll on your child’s eye health.
At Bôhten, we’re passionate about protecting vision at every age. As digital lifestyles become the norm, it’s more important than ever for parents to understand how screens impact children’s eyes and what can be done to manage those effects.
The Effects of Excessive Screen Time on Children’s Vision
Children are particularly vulnerable to the effects of prolonged screen use because their eyes are still developing. Here are some common vision-related issues linked to increased digital device use:
1. Digital Eye Strain
Also known as Computer Vision Syndrome, this includes symptoms like:
- Blurred vision
- Dry or irritated eyes
- Headaches
-
Difficulty focusing
Children may not recognize or communicate these symptoms, so it’s important for parents to be observant.
2. Increased Risk of Myopia (Nearsightedness)
Studies show that children who spend more time indoors on screens and less time outside are at higher risk of developing myopia. Myopia in children can progress quickly and lead to serious eye health problems in adulthood.
3. Blue Light Exposure
Screens emit blue light, which can interfere with natural sleep cycles and may contribute to digital eye fatigue. While research on long-term effects is ongoing, minimizing unnecessary exposure is a smart step.
Signs Your Child May Be Struggling Visually
Keep an eye out for these signs, especially if your child spends multiple hours a day on digital devices:
- Frequent eye rubbing
- Squinting or closing one eye
- Complaints of headaches
- Holding devices too close
-
Poor attention span during screen time
How to Manage and Protect Your Child’s Vision
1. Follow the 20-20-20 Rule
Encourage your child to take a 20-second break every 20 minutes by looking at something 20 feet away. This helps relax the focusing muscles in their eyes.
2. Limit Screen Time
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends:
- No screen time for children under 2 (except for video chatting)
- 1 hour or less per day for kids ages 2–5
- Consistent limits and breaks for older children and teens
3. Encourage Outdoor Play
Spending more time outdoors has been shown to reduce the risk of myopia progression. Even just 1–2 hours of natural light exposure per day can make a difference.
4. Adjust Screen Settings
Increase font size, reduce screen brightness, and use night mode to minimize eye strain especially in the evenings.
5. Invest in Blue Light Blocking Eyewear
Blue light lenses can help reduce glare and eye fatigue from screens.
6. Schedule Annual Eye Exams
Regular eye checkups can catch early signs of strain, vision changes, or refractive errors ensuring your child gets the support they need.
Technology is here to stay and it can be a wonderful part of a child’s development. But like anything else, balance is key. With the right habits and the right eyewear, you can help your child navigate screen time safely and confidently.
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