Children spend a lot of time staring at digital screens such as computers, tablets, TVs, smartphones and other devices. This can take a toll on the child’s well being including how the eye feels.

What is the effect of  staring at screens for longs stretches without a break.

Watching screens for a long time can cause the following :

Eye fatigue :  Concentrating on screens for a long period of time causes concentration difficulties and headaches centered around the temple of the eyes.

Blurry eyes: Gazing at the same distance for an extended time can cause eye focusing system to spasm or lock up temporarily.  This condition known as accommodation spasm causes the child’s vision to blur when he looks away from the screen.

Dry eyes : Studies indicate that people blink less often when concentrating on digital screens. This can leave the eye dry and irritated.

What can parents do about this

• Monitor screen time :  It is important to make sure that your child limits screen time  to make sure they get enough sleep. It also important to take kids away from screen so that they can get some active play which is the best form of exercise for children.
• Remind children to take breaks : It important that children take frequent breaks during screen time.
• Remember to blink : Encourage the child to try and blink extra especially during the breaks to prevent dry eyes.
• Position of the screen : It is important to make sure the screen is slightly below the eye level.  Looking up at the screen opens eyes wider and dries them out quicker.
• Take a look at the lighting :  It is important to position the screen in such as a way that light coming from uncovered windows, lamps and overhead light fixations aren’t shinning directly on the screens. You should also decrease the lightening on the screen to a level that’s  comfortable for viewing .
• Get regular vision screening : Get regular vision screening for children. Children may not speak  up when they have vision problems.