As a responsible parent, it is important to be aware of the potential risks of prolonged screen use on the vision and eye health of your children. In this article, we discuss the effects of staring at a digital screen for long stretches of time without taking breaks.
- Eye Fatigue
Like other muscles, the muscles around the eye can get tired and feel strained due to continued use of a screen, be it from a mobile phone or tablet. When it comes to children, focusing on a digital screen for extended periods can ultimately lead to difficulty in concentration as well as pain around the eyes and temple.
- Blurred Vision
In addition to eye fatigue, prolonged screen use can cause the eye to undergo spasms, a condition called accommodation spasm. A child who has this condition will experience blurred vision when he or she gazes away from the screen. Some studies also suggest that screen use and other close-up indoor activities may increase the risk of nearsightedness among children.
- Dry Eyes
When concentrating on a digital screen, there is a strong tendency to blink a lot less than normal, which can lead to dry and irritated eyes. As a result, the upper eyelids of children tend to open wider, triggering the evaporation of the tear film of their eyes.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), children should have no screen time at all before the age of one and very limited screen time several years after that. For children younger than 18 to 24 months, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no digital media use, except when video-chatting, and that parents should focus on educational media when their children start using screens.
Northern Virginia Doctors of Optometry offers professional and personalized eye care to patients in and around Alexandria, VA. To learn more about our top-notch products and services, call (703) 660-9494, or fill out our online form to schedule an appointment.