According to new research, ophthalmologists are seeing a significant increase in children with dry eye and eyestrain from too much screen time. Digital eyestrain is an increasing problem among children. They can experience dry eye, eyestrain, headaches and blurry vision, too. While symptoms are typically temporary, they may be frequent and persistent.
A new study appearing in Ophthalmology, the journal of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, offers further evidence that at least part of the worldwide increase in nearsightedness has to do with near work activities; not just screens but also traditional books. Additionally, according to the study, spending time outdoors—especially in early childhood—can slow the progression of nearsightedness.
While scientists look for a definitive answer, there is no doubt that most computer users experience digital eyestrain. This is because we don’t blink as often while using computers and other digital devices. Extended reading, writing or other intensive near work can also cause or exacerbate eyestrain. According to the study, ophthalmologists recommend taking a 20-second break from near work every 20 minutes.
Data from The Vision Council shows that 72 percent of American parents report their children routinely engage in more than two hours of screen time very day; it’s likely that this amount of time is higher as parents cannot monitor their children 24/7.
As children get older they tend to spend more time on their devices, viewing screens that emanate blue light. It is no longer uncommon to see young children spending a significant amount of time each day staring at screens. According to Common Sense Media, the average age and screen staring time are:
• 2 years of age and younger: 42 minutes per day
• Aged between 2 and 4: 2.5 hours per day
• Children ages 5 to 8: nearly 3 hours per day
This is not merely a trend, but a paradigm shift in how life is led. So it makes sense to encourage parents to purchase vision-support supplements for children that help protect their vision.
Reference:
Ku et al. Ophthalmology, 2018; DOI: 10.1016/j.ophtha.2018.05.010
