Screen time is a fact of modern childhood, but that doesn’t mean kids’ eyes aren’t paying the price.
At 20/20 iCare and iWear in Las Colinas Irving, we see more and more children experiencing the effects of digital eye strain. Knowing the signs – and what you can do at home – can go a long way in protecting your child’s vision.
How Screens Affect Children’s Eyes
Between online schoolwork, video games, and time spent on phones, kids are spending more hours in front of digital screens than ever before. While screens can be educational and fun, they also bring risks to children’s vision.
Digital eye strain – also called computer vision syndrome – happens when the eyes are overworked by long hours of near-focus activities like screen use. Children are especially vulnerable because they tend to hold screens closer, take fewer breaks, and may not notice subtle changes in their vision until the problem worsens.
It’s important to know that eye strain isn’t limited to computers. Phones, tablets, TVs, and even handheld gaming devices can all trigger symptoms if used for long stretches without rest.
Signs Your Child Might Have Digital Eye Strain
Kids don’t always explain what they’re feeling, so parents need to watch for the signs. Digital eye strain can show up in ways that might look like tiredness, fussiness, or difficulty concentrating.
Common symptoms include:
- Blurry or fluctuating vision
- Headaches after or during screen time
- Dry, irritated, or tired eyes
- Trouble focusing on homework
- Squinting or rubbing the eyes frequently
- Complaints about eye discomfort or vision after screen use
If you’ve noticed your child struggling with any of these, it’s worth having their eyes checked. Even if they already wear glasses, strain from extended screen use can still create issues that need attention.
Smart Tips for Managing Screen Time at Home
Screen use isn’t going away, but small changes can make a big difference in your child’s comfort and long-term eye health.
These parent-friendly tips are easy to build into daily routines:
- Use the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, have your child look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.
- Encourage breaks: Remind kids to step away from screens during homework or gaming sessions. Even a short break can give their eyes time to rest.
- Check the setup: Make sure screens are at least arm’s length away and positioned slightly below eye level to reduce strain.
- Adjust brightness and reduce glare: The screen should be about as bright as the surrounding room, not much brighter. Position screens to avoid glare from windows or overhead lights.
- Increase outdoor time: Studies show that spending time outdoors supports healthy visual development and may reduce the risk of nearsightedness.
These small adjustments, combined with consistency, can help reduce discomfort and protect your child’s vision.
How 20/20 iCare and iWear Can Help
Even the best home habits can’t replace professional eye care. At 20/20 iCare and iWear in Las Colinas Irving, we work with families to make sure kids’ eyes are healthy and strong at every stage of development.
Our pediatric eye care services include:
- Comprehensive pediatric eye exams to check for focusing issues, prescription changes, and early signs of eye strain
- Blue light filtering lenses and coatings to reduce glare and improve comfort during screen use
- Prescription glasses designed for screen work if your child needs vision correction
- Personalized advice from our optometrists and opticians on how to set up a screen-friendly environment at home
Your child’s eyes are still developing, which makes regular checkups especially important. Whether it’s schoolwork, gaming, or social media, we’ll help you create a plan that keeps their vision clear and comfortable.
Screen Time Doesn’t Have to Harm Your Child’s Eyes
Screens are part of everyday life, but that doesn’t mean they should control your child’s vision health. By watching for symptoms, making small changes at home, and keeping up with regular eye exams, you can protect your child’s eyes now and in the future.
Worried about screen time? Schedule a pediatric eye exam with our team today.
We’ll answer your questions, check for signs of digital eye strain, and provide tailored solutions – including screen-specific eyewear if needed.
FAQ: Digital Eye Strain in Kids
How much screen time is “too much” for kids? There’s no single number that fits every child, but experts recommend limiting recreational screen time to 1–2 hours per day. Breaks and variety in activities are just as important as total time.
Can blue light damage children’s eyes? Current research suggests that blue light doesn’t cause permanent eye damage, but it does contribute to digital eye strain and can disrupt sleep cycles. Blue light filtering lenses may help with comfort.
Do kids grow out of digital eye strain? Not necessarily. Digital eye strain is linked to habits more than age. Without changes, children may continue to experience symptoms as they get older.
What if my child already wears glasses? Children who wear glasses can still experience eye strain. During an exam, our team can update their prescription if needed and recommend lens options for screen use.