Can Excessive Screen Time Potentially Harm My Child's Eyes?

In this world of technology it is difficult to escape the use of phones, tablets and computers. This also applies to children. Although some screen time is necessary, excessive screen time is potentially harmful.

Prolonged screen exposure can lead to harmful conditions such as dryness, myopia (nearsightedness), eye strain and disrupted sleep. What are some ways we can safeguard our eyes?
 

• Dryness: Blink Exercises help to strengthen the lid muscle and make our blinks more productive to release more oil from glands  

• Myopia: Ask about special eyeglass lenses or contacts designed to control myopia

• Eye Strain: Designed to reduce eye strain, consider the 20-20-20 rule. Take a 20-second break every 20 minutes, looking at something 20 feet away.

Disturbed Sleep: Blue light lenses help reduce eye strain and may help sleep patterns, but more research is needed to determine their long-term benefits. For the best quality sleep, avoid screen time 2 to 3 hours before bed.

Children should limit screen time based on their age. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends:
 

• 18 months and younger: Avoid screen time, except for video chatting.

• 2-5 years: Limit to one hour of high-quality programming per day.

• 6 years and older: Set consistent limits on daily screen time.

We encourage outdoor activities, yearly eye check-ups, and proper lighting to safeguard your child's eye health. The doctors Monarch Bay Optometry look forward to seeing your child and setting them up for visual success.