Safeguarding Your Child’s Eyes During Screen Time

Children are using digital devices more than ever. From cell phones to tablets to computers to gaming consoles, it can seem like your kids are looking at screens every waking hour. As much as you may want to limit their screen time, it can feel impossible. But that doesn’t mean you should give up trying to protect your child’s eyes from screens. Prolonged use of screens can lead to a host of problems, the most common of which is digital eye strain. It can also lead to nearsightedness, since young eyes are still developing, and there is minimal distance vision used. Here are some ways to safeguard your child’s eyes during screen time.

Teach the 20-20 Rule

The constant focus on nearby objects (the screen), can cause the eyes to develop myopia, or nearsightedness. Encouraging regular breaks from screen use is one of the simplest and most effective methods of pediatric myopia control. The 20-20-20 rule, where a child takes a break every 20 minutes by looking at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds, can help relax eye muscles and reduce strain.

Ensure Proper Lighting

The chances of your child developing digital eye strain can be minimized if you ensure proper lighting in the room where they are using screens. The room should be lit; not just the screen. This helps to reduce glare.

Position Screens at a Distance

Position screens at least an arm’s length away—or 24 inches—from their face and at eye level to reduce the tendency to lean in closer, which can exacerbate myopia development.

Encourage Outdoor Play

Playing outside is necessary for optimal development on many levels, including pediatric myopia control in Coldwater, MS. The reasoning is that being outside necessitates long distance vision, an important aspect of proper eye development.

Bring Your Child in For Regular Eye Exams

It’s especially important for kids to have regular eye exams. Twice a year is recommended, unless there is some underlying condition or concern. The eye doctor in Coldwater, MS

can assess your child’s eyes and determine if there’s any potential problem, ideally before it progresses too much further. Contact us today to learn more.