5 Tips to Protect Your Child From Digital Eye Strain

Are you worried that excessive computer use may be causing vision problems in your child? Here are some tips from our Crowfoot optometrists on how to protect your child from digital eye strain.

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Today, millions of children are using computers, smartphones, and other digital devices on a daily basis. While this offers great convenience, extensive use of such devices has been shown to lead to symptoms of eye strain, including:

• Eye discomfort
• Blurred or double vision
• Dry and sore eyes
• Fatigue
• Sore or dry eyes
• Headaches

If your child mentions any of the above symptoms, or if you notice a change in your child’s eyesight, it’s important to book an appointment straight away with your Calgary optometrist.

 

Our Calgary Optometrists Help Protect Your Child’s Vision

At Blink Eyewear, we provide a wide range of eye health services for your entire family, from children’s eye exams to contact lens fittings and cataract management. Whatever your ocular needs, we have the experience and knowledge to ensure you always enjoy comfortable and clear vision.

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5 Tips For Protecting Your Child From Digital Eye Strain

Today, children are spending more time on laptops, smartphones, and tablets, often with a short viewing distance and in dim light. These screens emit harmful blue light that can contribute to poor sleep quality and eye strain.

If you are concerned about your child’s vision, here are some tips on how to help your child avoid excessive digital eye strain while still growing up tech-savvy:

1. Schedule regular visits to your Calgary optometrist. Before your child starts school, make sure to book a comprehensive eye exam with your Calgary optometrist. This appointment should include an assessment of their computer and reading vision skills. (Computer Vision Syndrome Treatment >)

2. Remind your child to take frequent breaks. Keep in mind the 20/20/20 rule. Encourage your child to focus on an object 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds every 20 minutes while they’re working on their computer.

3. Make sure the lighting in their study area is adequate. Good lighting is key to your child’s vision. Ensure that the general lighting in their study room is adequate for the tasks they’re working on. Tip: The brightness of their screens should match that of the study environment.

4. Enforce a healthy viewing distance: To protect your child’s vision, make sure to teach them about proper screen usage. Their monitor should be placed approximately 20 inches from their face and all phones/tablets should be midway out from the body. If your child continues to move the screen closer, then you should visit your Calgary optometrist for an eye checkup.

5. Schedule time for other activities. It’s important to make sure your child takes regular breaks from the computer throughout the day. Physical exercise improves the health of every body system, eyes included.

 

Keep an Eye Out For Any Signs of Vision Problems

A child cannot always tell you if there is something wrong with their vision, so as a parent it’s important to be aware of some of the warning signs of vision problems. These include:

• Eye redness
• Frequent eye rubbing
• Complaints of blurry vision
• Headaches
• Poor performance in school
• Shutting one eye when reading

By scheduling an appointment with your optometrist, you can be sure that any early signs of vision problems will be detected and treated early.

TOP WARNING SIGNS OF VISION PROBLEMS IN CHILDREN

 

Call Today

To find out more about how our Calgary optometrists can help protect the vision of your entire family, visit one of our three branches, Crowfoot (67 Crowfoot Terrace NW, T3G 4J8), West Springs (1009 873 85 St SW, T3H 0J5) or Creekside (12192 Symons Valley Rd NW, T3P 0A3).

Alternatively, you can contact our team at our Crowfoot Branch (403-547-5417), West Springs (403-242-0999) or Creekside (403-516-2292).