When kids go back to school, they often spend a lot of time looking at screens. They might use laptops for writing essays, play educational video games, or study with friends using cell phones. Unfortunately, using screens for even a few hours can cause a problem called Digital Eye Strain. 

This is becoming more and more common among both kids and adults who use digital devices. At Westpoint Optical, we can help treat digital Eye Strain and teach parents how to prevent it from happening in the first place.

What is Digital Eye Strain?

Digital eye strain, also known as computer vision syndrome, is a condition that can make your eyes feel uncomfortable and cause other symptoms when you use screens a lot. Some common signs of digital eye strain are:

• Blurry or unclear vision
• Tired eyes
• Dry and red eyes
• Burning sensation in the eyes
• Eye tiredness
• Pain in the shoulders and neck
• Headaches

How Your Child Can avoid Digital Eye Strain ?

Following are the ways children can prevent digital eye strain :

1. Teach Your Child To Take Brea

When it comes to taking care of your eyes while using screens, remember the number 20. Every 20 minutes or so, tell your child to look at something far away, around 20 feet, for about 20 seconds. This blink breaks will help in eyes relax and feel better.

2. Have Them Stretch It Out

When your child spends a lot of time hunched over a tablet, phone, or computer screen, it can make them feel stiff and uncomfortable. But there are simple stretches they can do to help relieve the tension and discomfort caused by digital eye strain.

To ease tension in the neck, encourage your child to sit or stand up straight and slowly lower their chin toward their chest. Then, they can gently tilt their head to the right and left shoulders.

To relieve eye strain, have them sit up straight and look downwards. Then, ask them to roll their eyes upward in one direction and then the other. They can repeat this eye stretch whenever they need to.

3. Practice Good Screen Time Hygiene

Here are some easy guidelines to follow when your child is using screens:

• Make sure the screen is positioned 16-30 inches away from their face, either at eye level or slightly below.
• Control the lighting in the room to reduce glare on the screen.
• Keep an eye on your toddler that how long they uses digital equipments. It’s best to consult with your pediatrician or eye doctor to determine what’s suitable for your child’s eye health and lifestyle.
• Remind your child to blink their eyes regularly. Staring at screens can make both children and adults blink less, which can lead to dry and uncomfortable eyes. Blinking helps keep the eyes moist and clean.
• Minimize screen time before bedtime as much as possible. The blue light emitted by screens can disrupt your child’s sleep cycle.

Bring your child to Westpoint Optical for getting regular eye exam services. This is important for all school-aged children, especially if they wear glasses or contact lenses.

Pediatric Eye Care in Brampton West

To ensure your child’s eyes and vision stay healthy and support their academic success, it’s important to take proper care. At Westpoint Optical in Brampton West, we provide excellent eye care services specifically for children. From regular eye exams to contact lens consultations to services and much more, we’ve got your child covered. Set your child up for a great academic year by scheduling their yearly eye exam with us today!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How frequent children need an eye check up?

It is recommended that school-aged children have their eyes checked by a pediatric optometrist every year. However, if their eye doctor suggests a different frequency, that should be followed. If children have concerns about their vision, experience frequent headaches, or struggle academically compared to their peers, it is important to bring them to the optometrist. It’s worth noting that vision screenings at school or the pediatrician’s office cannot replace the expertise of an eye doctor and may not test for all aspects of eye health and visual abilities.

Q: Is it beneficial to purchase blue-blocking glasses for your child?

Parents often have concerns about the impact of blue light emitted by digital devices. While research has not shown blue light to be harmful to eye health, it can affect a child’s sleep quality and cause eye strain. Computer glasses might be helpful in reducing digital eye strain for some children. It is recommended to discuss with your child’s optometrist to determine if computer glasses can be beneficial for them.

Find stylish frames for prescription eyeglasses and computer glasses at Westpoint Optical. Get your eyes examined and choose eyeglasses that suit your personal style.