Excess screen time may impair vision and inhibit academic achievement

By MICHAEL AUSTIN (Open Post) July 29, 2015 

Vienna, Va. (July 29, 2015) – 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 parents improve their children’s digital eye health before they head back-to-school, MyEyeDr., a full-service optometric vision care company, is offering tips for minimizing screen time and recognizing signs of impaired vision.

Children may also 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.

“Excess screen time can cause a number of issues including headaches, blurred vision, dry eye and loss of focus,” said Dr. Artis Beatty, director of clinical operations for MyEyeDr. “It is important for parents to understand how digital devices can affect their child’s vision and how vision impairment can cause other health issues. Parents, don’t delay in scheduling a comprehensive eye exam for your child to ensure success in the classroom.”

Here are several ways that parents can improve their child’s digital eye health through every stage of their development:

BYTES

For preschool and kindergarten age limit your child’s 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 break. 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 smartphone 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.

Parents should also visit an eye doctor for a consultation and custom fit lenses for their children. Blue-light blocking lenses, for example, protect children’s eyes from harmful blue-violet light emitted by screens. Exposure to blue light is a risk factor for Macular Degeneration—the leading cause of severe vision loss and blindness in adults over age 60.