How Screens Affect Children’s Eyesight

Technology today is both a good thing and a bad thing. For the first time in history, children are being exposed to screens in multiple aspects of life. Screens are at school, in restaurants, and at home, on a variety of devices. Technology has been around for a long time, but not to the extent that it is now. However, we already know that too much screen time can have a negative effect on children’s eyesight.

Eye Strain

Digital eye strain, also known as computer vision syndrome, is a common issue among children who spend extended periods on digital devices. Symptoms include eye discomfort, headaches, blurred vision, and dry eyes. Prolonged screen use forces children to focus intensely and reduces their blink rate, leading to eye strain and discomfort. Encouraging regular breaks using the 20-20-20 rule—every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds—can help alleviate these symptoms. Of course, it would be hard to monitor a youngster in this way. For young children, a better idea would be to allow screen time for no longer than 20 minutes at a time. Then, the child would have to do something that doesn’t involve screens for a period of time.

Progression of Myopia

Youreye doctor in Riverdale, NJ, can tell you that myopia (or nearsightedness), is increasingly prevalent among children today and has been linked to extensive screen time. Studies suggest that prolonged close-up activities, such as using tablets or smartphones, contribute to the development and progression of myopia. Make sure your child has regular eye doctor appointments to help detect this condition early on.

Impact on Physical Development

Excessive screen time during critical developmental periods can affect visual development. Children’s eyes are still developing, and too much screen use can hinder the development of essential visual skills, such as focusing, tracking, and depth perception. It may even unnaturally impact the development of the shape of the eyeball, which would create a lasting effect and would likely necessitate the need for corrective eyewear during your child’s adulthood.

For help ensuring that your child’s eyesight is healthy, book an appointment with yourRiverdale, NJ eye doctor today. If your child is developing vision problems. we can help!