Tablets, phones, computers and TVs are now a normal part of everyday life for many children.
With children spending more time looking at screens, it’s important to make sure they’re also giving their eyes a break.
WHAT CAN TOO MUCH SCREEN TIME FEEL LIKE?
Extended periods of screen use can be associated with symptoms such as:
- Tired or uncomfortable eyes
- Dry eyes
- Headaches
- Difficulty focusing
- Blurred vision
- Eye strain
These symptoms can have lots of possible causes, so if your child regularly experiences them, it’s worth speaking to an eye care professional.
ENCOURAGE REGULAR BREAKS
Encourage children to take regular breaks from close-up screen activities.
Try encouraging them to:
- Look away from the screen regularly
- Spend time outdoors
- Keep screens at a comfortable viewing distance
- Avoid holding devices extremely close to their face
- Get plenty of sleep
- Have screen-free time throughout the day
LOOK UP FROM THE SCREEN
Time away from screens isn’t just an opportunity for your child’s eyes to rest. Getting outdoors also encourages children to be active and gives them a chance to explore the world around them.
KEEP AN EYE ON THEIR VISION
If your child frequently complains about headaches, blurred vision or uncomfortable eyes, don’t simply assume it’s caused by screen time.
An eye examination can help assess their vision and eye health.
Sometimes the best thing you can do for your child’s eyes is encourage them to look up.