I participated in an Influencer Activation on behalf of Mom Central for the American Optometric Association. I received a promotional item to thank me for my participation.
This Summer, I worked to ensure that my children spent plenty of time outdoors swimming, running, swinging, and playing in order to stave off that inclination to be on their electronic devices. iPads and smart phones were not around when I was a child, and in many respects I’m thankful that I didn’t have that temptation, despite the overall benefits these devices offer. Because these devices are so pervasive in our culture (including inside the classroom), I set firm limits on the amount of time they are spending to ensure they are not only active, but preserving their vision.
The growing problem of eye strain and the use of electronic devices
Eye strain is a growing problem amongst children and often related to the amount of time they are spending on electronic devices. Admittedly, unless I set a timer, I would not be able to gauge how much time my kids are spending on these devices. According to the American Optometric Association, many parents underestimate this time and a recent study found that 83 percent of children between the ages of 10 and 17 may be spending as much as 3 or more hours per day on electronic devices. Despite these results, only 40 percent of these parents believe their children are spending this amount of time on devices, so there is a wide gap in what we think our children are doing and reality.
What are the symptoms of eye strain?
Burning, itchy/tired eyes, headaches, fatigue, loss of focus, blurred vision, double vision, and neck pain are all symptoms of digital eye strain. If your child is spending significant amounts of time on electronic devices, it is important to know what these symptoms are and to ask children to talk about what they are experiencing.
What concerns might arise from spending time on electronic devices?
Many of us did not grow up spending significant amounts of time on computers, tablets, and gaming devices and optometrists do not know the long term effects of exposure to the kind of light these devices give off. It is important that both parents and children protect their eyes from digital eye strain by taking some precautions.
How can I protect my children’s eyes from digital eye strain?
Admittedly, I simply set a timer and when it rings, my children know they must switch from playing on their electronic devices to an entirely different activity. Parents should actually employ the 20-20-20 rule which says that when using technology or doing work near/on an electronic device, take a 20-second break, every 20 minutes and view something 20 feet away. I often spend significant amounts of time working on my own computer so this is a rule I’m going to start applying immediately. Here are a few more tips to prevent digital eye strain, from the AOA:
- Check the height and position of the electronic device: The ideal height and position is 4-5 inches below eye level and 20-28 inches away from the eyes.
- Check for glare on the screen: Windows and other light sources should not be directly visible when sitting in front of the screen. You can also adjust the brightness or the background color to help reduce glare.
- Reduce the amount of light in the room to match the computer screen: Consider using a lower wattage light bulb or dimmer switch to control lighting in the room.
- Adjust the font size: Increasing the size of the text on the screen may make it easier to read (and easier on your eyes!).
- Keep blinking: Frequent blinking helps to prevent dry eyes and keeps the surface of the eye moist.
As our family gets ready for the new school year, I’m busy shopping and prepping school supplies and schedules to ensure the transition from summer to fall is seamless. This is traditionally the time of year when I bring my son in to see his pediatrician for a well-child check-up which includes a brief eye exam. And while that exam is likely a good starting point, I recently learned that after the age of 6 months (and before the age of 3), children should receive a comprehensive eye exam by an optometrist every year. This type of exam can help identify any signs or symptoms associated with digital eye strain along with other vision problems. If you are concerned about how to obtain this exam, the Pediatric Essential Health Benefit in the Affordable Act helps provide these exams for children ages 0-18.
While I don’t remember a time when my kids complained of symptoms of eye strain, understanding the problem and how I can prevent it has helped me enforce those time limits. I’ve worn glasses since my early school years and my hope is that I can protect the long-term health of their eyes by ensuring they receive regular exams and limit their exposure to electronic devices.
I encourage you to visit the American Optometric Association’s website to learn more about how to protect your children’s eyes as we head into the new school year. You can also follow the AOA on Facebook and Twitter.
Images: American Optometric Association
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