Kids, like adults, are spending more time online. At some point during the COVID-19 pandemic, many children attended school via Zoom and completed assignments online. The trend toward more screen time — whether playing games or being in touch with friends — is likely to continue even after everyone returns to the classroom.
We already know that prolonged screen time can cause digital eye strain as well as dry eye symptoms, among other problems in children and adults. There is some indication that extended exposure to blue light may impact the development of retinal cells. However, studies on actual subjects still need to be done to establish a clear connection.
Dry Eyes
Spending a long time in front of screens can impact how quickly our tears evaporate, because we blink around 66% less when using a computer compared to other daily activities. When tears evaporate too quickly and aren’t replenished with blinking our eyes start to feel dry and gritty. So remember to blink every few seconds to prevent your eyes from drying out!
Blue Light Exposure
Screens, such as those that appear on computers, phones and tablets emit blue light. Recent studies have shown that overexposure to blue light can damage the retinal cells at the back of your eyes. This may increase the risk of vision issues such as age-related macular degeneration which eventually leads to permanent loss of vision.
Excess blue light has also been shown to disrupt the circadian rhythms that regulate our sleep patterns, as it tricks your internal clock into thinking that it is the middle of the day. This may lead to difficulty in falling asleep, insomnia, and daytime fatigue.
Digital Eye Strain
Nearly 60% of people who routinely use computers or digital devices experience symptoms of digital eye strain — also called computer vision syndrome. Symptoms of eye strain include eye fatigue and discomfort, dry eye, headaches, blurred vision, neck and shoulder pain, eye twitching, and red eyes.
Taking frequent breaks from your screen can help reduce eye strain and neck, back and shoulder pain during your workday.
It is recommended to take at least one 10-minute break every hour. During these breaks, stand up, move about and stretch your arms, legs, back, neck and shoulders to reduce tension and muscle aches.
To reduce your risk of tiring your eyes, look away from your computer at least every 20 minutes and gaze at a distant object at least 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. Looking far away relaxes the focusing lens inside the eye to reduce fatigue.
How to Make Virtual Learning Safer For Your Child
The following tips can lessen the impact of screens on your child’s eyes:
- Reduce overall screen time
- Encourage frequent breaks
- Use accessories that filter blue light (for example, blue light glasses)
- Schedule regular eye exams
Make Sure Your Child Gets Routine Eye Exams
Children need comprehensive eye exams to assess the health of their eyes, correct their vision and spot potential problems which can affect learning and behavior.
If you are concerned about the effect of virtual learning and screen time on your child’s eyes, or if you’re due for a checkup, schedule an eye doctor‘s appointment at Orillia Eyewear & iCare in Orillia.
Q&A
What are the symptoms of dry eye syndrome?
As the name implies, dry eye syndrome is characterized by dry eyes and often other symptoms: redness, a stinging or burning sensation, blurriness and light sensitivity. Dry eye syndrome can also be accompanied by watery eyes, stringy mucus and gritty discharge.
How to prevent dry eye syndrome?
You can reduce your likelihood of developing dry eye syndrome by limiting screen time (people who stare at screens tend to blink less often), using blue light glasses, staying hydrated and consuming Omega-3 fatty acids.