Local optometrist tips on back to school screen time and eye health
FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- As students return to the classroom, eye care professionals are encouraging parents to pay close attention to screen time and signs of vision problems.
According to the National Institutes of Health, digital eye strain has become an increasing health concern. Following the pandemic and the rise of online learning, the prevalence of digital eye strain increased to 50% to 60% among children.
The NIH also reports that excessive screen time can reduce blink rates, which may lead to dry eye-related problems and discomfort.
Dr. Joann Adams, an optometrist with EYE-Q Vision Care Center, said her practice is seeing more children experiencing dry eye symptoms.
"But in kids, I think it is related to the screen time," Dr. Adams said.
With digital devices now commonly used for both school and work, Dr. Adams recommends taking frequent breaks from screens to help reduce eye strain.
"Go outside, play, throw a ball around. Very helpful for the eyes," Dr. Adams said.
Dr. Adams said squinting can be a common sign that a child may need glasses. She also pointed to eye strain and frequent headaches as potential indicators of vision issues.
"Eye strain, headaches if they do get frequent headaches. I think taking a look at the eyes is a great way to roll out the easiest scenarios," Dr. Adams said.
Because children may not always recognize when they are having difficulty seeing, Dr. Adams recommends scheduling a baseline eye exam.
"I usually recommend about once a year or every two years, depending on the eye health for the kids. If they're really healthy, they really don't need glasses. Maybe every two years. But if we do have a prescription for them, that's benefiting them once a year is helpful to check for any changes along the way," Dr. Adams said.
Parents should also watch for academic struggles that could signal an undiagnosed vision problem, she said.
"Teachers actually oftentimes catch some of these struggles early on to notify parents, and that might just be because they can't see the board. They're not following along as easily in class as everyone else is. That can be affecting their schoolwork and their performance," Dr. Adams said.
As the school year begins, Adams said regular eye exams and awareness of potential warning signs can help ensure students have the vision support they need to succeed in the classroom.
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