While computers are an excellent learning resource for students, spending hours in front of a screen every day can negatively impact vision. Between home computers, digital devices and screens in the classroom, many students are spending far beyond the recommended two hours (according to the American Academy of Pediatrics) in front of a screen. Since 90 percent of a child’s learning occurs through visual processing, the undetected vision problems that can result from excess screen time can lead to problems in the classroom. To help improve your children’s digital eye health, here are some tips for minimizing screen time and recognizing signs of impaired vision.

• Bytes: For preschool and kindergarten-aged children, limit their screen time to two hours and keep tabs on their eye habits. Are they rubbing their eyes or blinking excessively? Do they have difficulty recognizing colors, shapes, letters and numbers? If so, your child may be experiencing effects of excess screen time. During this early developmental stage, it is also important to monitor how your child’s eyes are aligning. Eye-turns and crossed-eyes can greatly affect their vision.
• Kilobytes: While many elementary school-aged children are using digital devices, parents should restrict use and remind them to hold their device half an arm’s length or more away from their eyes. In addition, encourage frequent breaks while working on a computer to give their eyes a rest. Use the 20-20-20 rule, every 20 minutes look 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

• Megabytes: It’s no secret that digital devices are a staple for middle and high school students. Not only has smart phone use greatly increased, but computers are often necessary for completing homework assignments. Encourage these students to use the 20-20-20 rule. Monitor factors like their attention span, how long they can read before they need to take a visual break and their comprehension to ensure that their vision needs are being properly addressed.

Children may experience a variety of health issues unknowingly related to vision impairment. Parents should monitor for headaches, clumsiness, decreased attention span and poor academic performance – each of which can be related to vision.

MyEyeDr. makes vision health attainable and uncomplicated for any individual by welcoming all vision insurance plans and insurance providers. Find an office near you and book an annual eye exam for your child here.