Screen Time, Eye Strain, and Your Child

Whether we like it or not, computers, cell phones, and video games are likely here to stay. However, is screen time detrimental to your child's health and vision? The answer may depend on how much screen time your child has each day.

Some screen time for your children may be inevitable. This is especially true when they start school and have homework and projects that may require the use of a computer. However, some studies have linked excessive screen time to adverse consequences in children.
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For example, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, preschoolers who had more than two hours of screen time daily had an increased risk of obesity and poor sleep and eye development.
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The risks of excess screen time 

Excessive screen time may cause the following adverse effects:

Digital eyestrain: Digital eyestrain can develop when your eyes become tired from prolonged screen use. Although it is generally not harmful to your vision, it can lead to headaches and blurred vision.

Poor sleep: According to the National Sleep Foundation, screen time too close to bedtime can disrupt sleep for both adults and children. The artificial light emitted from digital devices may affect the release of melatonin and prevent sleep. Additionally, screen time may stimulate the brain, preventing you from winding down and falling asleep.

Obesity: Spending too much time watching TV, playing video games, or using a tablet often leads to less physical activity, which increases the risk of obesity.  In turn, obesity can increase the chances of diabetes and potential eye complications.

Nearsightedness: Some studies suggest a link between screen time and the risk of developing nearsightedness in children. For example, this 2020 systematic review indicated mixed results. Researchers found that seven of the 15 studies analyzed indicated a link between screen time and near-sightedness. More research is needed to determine a definitive link between screen time and nearsightedness. However, it may be best to err on the side of caution when it comes to developing eyes and limiting screen time.
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Reducing screen time in kids

There are several things you can do to decrease the amount of time your child spends in front of the screen and help protect their vision, including the following:

Model screen-free behavior: Consider how much time you spend on your digital devices. It may be a poor example to tell your child to get off their computer while you're scrolling on your own phone. Be aware of your screen time and consider cutting back if necessary.

Set limits: Screen time limits you set for your children may vary depending on your specific circumstances. However,  the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the following screen time limits by age.

• Children under two: No screentime
• Children 2 to 12: One hour per day
• Teens: Two hours per day

Enforce breaks: If your child needs to use a computer for a school project, ensure they take frequent breaks to avoid digital eye strain. Follow the 20/20/20 rule. This involves taking a break every 20 minutes and focusing on an object 20 feet away for about 20 seconds.

Encourage outdoor activities: By setting limits, you may limit digital eye strain. However, it's still important to encourage outdoor activities so your child is physically active and gets the exercise they need. Better yet, go outside with your child for a game of tag, a bike ride, or a walk.

If you have any questions about your child's eye development or questions regarding digital eye strain, we are happy to help. Also, if you would like to ask whether an appointment with one of our eye doctors would be appropriate at this time, call our office at 508-746-8600.