As the final month of summer vacation approaches, parents may notice their children spending more time glued to screens or even buried in books. But with increased free time comes the risk of increased eye strain, especially when kids are staring at close objects for long periods.
Whether it’s phones, tablets, computers, or novels, extended near work can take a toll on young eyes. To help prevent discomfort and potential vision issues, the Alberta Association of Optometrists (AAO) is reminding families to take simple steps to protect children’s eye health.
Here are four tips from the AAO:
- Walk away: Encourage children to follow the 20-20-20 rule—every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away. These short breaks help the eyes rest and reduce fatigue.
- Maintain distance: Kids should avoid holding screens or pages too close to their eyes. Instead, aim for an arm’s-length distance. If this proves difficult or they’re straining to see, it may be time to book an eye exam.
- Adjust lighting: Poor lighting is a common cause of eye strain. Be sure to adjust screen brightness, avoid reading in the dark, and reduce glare from windows or overhead lights whenever possible.
- Talk to an optometrist: A visit to the optometrist can provide a personalized approach tailored to a child’s habits and needs. Professionals can catch underlying issues that may go unnoticed.
“Kids assume what they see is normal,” the AAO stated. “Only an optometrist can detect these hidden irregularities.”
Fortunately, many childhood vision conditions are treatable, especially if caught early. That’s why the AAO recommends regular checkups and annual eye exams for children, particularly during their developmental years when changes in eyesight can go unnoticed or be misdiagnosed.
To learn more about children’s vision health or to book an appointment, visit optometrists.ab.ca.
