The present generation of children is stuck to technology like a pair of inseparable twins. They spend a large portion of the day staring at LED screens either for learning or entertainment. They forget the world around them when they are using computers, smartphones, tablets, or a variety of other digital devices.
Researchers find that children’s screen time is directly connected to their age. The screen time for children in the 8-10 age group jumps three times to six hours a day compared to over 2 hours a day for children under age 8. As they grow, children between 11 to 14 years remain engaged with screen displays for up to 9 hours a day.
Does this increasing screen time affect their eyes and vision? The straightforward answer is- it does. To prevent kids’ eye problems from becoming severe, we at Vizavance conduct free vision screening for kids.
The Impact Of Technology On Your Kid’s Eyes
Children who remain glued to their digital devices for long hours face the risk of three vision problems.
1. Computer Vision Syndrome
Eye care specialists are concerned that long hours of unsupervised computer work increases the risk of computer vision syndrome, a type of digital eye strain. The symptoms of this vision syndrome are felt in different ways such as tired or dry eyes, fluctuating vision, and even headaches and fatigue.
There are posture problems such as the back, shoulder, and neck pain that seem to be generic. But these too can be traced to computer vision syndrome. Eye specialists advise the use of blue-light glasses or computer glasses to reduce the strain.
2. Nearsightedness
Increased screen time during childhood puts them at significant risk of myopia or nearsightedness, feel vision researchers. A study conducted by the National Eye Institute found that there has been a rise in myopia in children, over the last three decades. This phenomenon is closely related to the fact that modern-day kids are practically attached to various digital devices.
3. Increased Exposure To Blue Light
LED screens of computers and other digital devices emit high energy blue light. This light is in addition to the natural blue light human beings are exposed to through sunlight. Eye professionals caution that exposure to unnatural blue light in excessive amounts through extended screen time can become a risk factor later in life. This blue light has the potential to cause stress on the retina, giving rise to age-related eye diseases like macular degeneration.
Computer vision syndrome and nearsightedness can impact a child’s learning through their school years. Free vision screening in OKC can help catch these problems early.
Things to do
While we should not stop children from using digital devices, we can alert them to the consequences of longer screen times and suggest preventive measures. Try the following to help your kids:
- Ensure frequent visual breaks to provide rest to the eyes.
- Reduce blue light exposure
- Monitor media-free times
- Schedule a FREE eye test through Vizavance
Schedule an annual eye exams for your children before the start of every school year. If you want to know more or want to get vision screening tests for kids OKC, don’t hesitate to contact us at Vizavance. You can reach us by calling 405 848 7123.
