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Are screens hurting your child’s eyes without you noticing? Children today use tablets, phones, laptops, and TVs a lot for school and play. Parents may see their child rubbing their eyes, getting headaches, or feeling eye tiredness and wonder why. An optometrist in SW Calgary can help families understand how screen time affects young eyes and how to protect their vision.
Why Digital Eye Strain is Common in Kids Today
Online classes, homework, gaming, and videos all add up to long hours in front of screens. When children focus on screens for too long, their eyes work harder than usual. This can lead to looking for children’s eye exams near you, too, to make sure their child’s vision is healthy and developing properly.
Regular eye checks help catch early problems before they affect learning or comfort.
What Is Digital Eye Strain in Children?
Digital eye strain happens when the eyes get tired from focusing on screens for long periods. Kids may blink less while looking at screens, which can dry out the eyes and cause discomfort.
This condition is temporary, but repeated strain can affect how comfortable children feel during reading, studying, or play.
Digital Screen Time Effects on Children’s Eyes
By knowing the effect of screen time on children’s eyes, parents can detect the problems early. Excessive screen time may cause issues.
- Weary or stinging eyes.
- Eyes are either dry or watery.
- Headaches after Screen Time
- Trouble concentrating on studies.
- Poor posture causes neck and shoulder pain.
Improving screen habits often alleviates these types of problems.
Common Symptoms Parents Should Notice
Children may not always say their eyes hurt. Look for signs such as:
- Frequent eye rubbing
- Squinting at screens or books
- Complaints of blurry vision
- Short attention span during reading
- Avoiding homework or screen tasks
If these symptoms continue, an eye exam is a smart next step.
How to Reduce Digital Eye Strain for Kids
Help kids stay away from digital eye strain through small daily habits. Here are some simple ways:
- 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, you should look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
- Blink frequently to keep your eyes fresh.
- Do not let devices get closer to your eyes than one arm’s length.
- Set the screen brightness level according to the lighting of the room.
- Do not allow children to use digital devices shortly before going to bed.
These easy habits go a long way in the prevention of eye strain.
The Role of Regular Eye Exams
Children’s eyes grow and change quickly. Regular children’s eye exams in SW Calgary help ensure their vision supports learning and play. An eye exam checks more than how clearly a child sees; it also looks at eye teamwork and focus.
Early exams help spot issues before they affect reading, behaviour, or confidence.
When to Seek Professional Help
If your child’s symptoms don’t get better with breaks and better screen habits, it’s a good idea to visit an optometry clinic near you. An eye care professional can check your child’s vision, look for eye strain, and suggest simple ways to make screen use more comfortable.
Getting professional help reassures parents and helps children feel better.
Simple Daily Habits for Healthier Eyes
Encourage these habits at home:
- Mix screen time with outdoor play.
- Have times during the day without screens.
- Use soft lighting, not bright or harsh lights.
- Teach kids to sit up straight while using screens.
These simple habits help keep kids’ eyes healthy now and in the future.
Support Your Child’s Vision with Expert Care!
Children with healthy eyes can learn, play, and grow with self-assurance. A helpful team at Eyedeology Optometry is always ready to take care of your child’s vision. So, schedule an eye exam on the double and make sure their eyes stay safe for the coming years.
📍 Planning your eye exam? Tap here to find the fastest route to Eyedeology Optometry.
587-353-5061
1 (587) 409-1700