Recently, the C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital conducted a poll that focused on parents of 3-18-year-olds, aiming to gain insights into their children’s eye health. The results were enlightening, indicating that while parents possessed some basic knowledge of pediatric eye care, there was still a considerable knowledge gap.
One revealing finding from the poll was that only half of the parents recognized the negative impact of excessive screen time on their child’s eyes. This suggests that many parents may not fully grasp the potential harm that extended screen usage can have on their children’s vision and overall eye health.
Additionally, the poll indicated that 60% of parents do set limits on their children’s daily screen time. While this is a positive step towards promoting healthy screen habits, it also highlights the fact that a significant portion of parents may not be implementing such limits effectively.
At Westpoint Optical, we strongly believe in educating our patients about lifestyle choices that foster excellent eye health. Our focus includes encouraging healthy screen time habits to protect the eyes of young children. By raising awareness and providing valuable information, our skilled optometrists aim to empower parents with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions about their children’s eye care.
What Parents Need To Know About Prolonged Screen Time ?
Prolonged screen time can have both short-term and long-term consequences, impacting your child’s eye health in various ways. You might have noticed that after spending considerable time in front of a screen, your child’s eyes appear more red and tired. This is a common sign of dry eyes, which are prevalent issues resulting from extended digital device usage.
Digital eye strain manifests through symptoms like eye fatigue, headaches, neck pain, blurred vision, and the reflexive act of rubbing the eyes to alleviate strain. When we focus on screens, whether computers, phones, or tablets, we tend to blink less frequently, leading to dry eye symptoms. Blinking is crucial as it lubricates the eyes and clears away irritants from the surface, maintaining overall eye health.
Furthermore, excessive screen time has been associated with higher rates of myopia (nearsightedness) in children. This condition poses a significant risk for sight-threatening diseases in adulthood. Children with moderate to high myopia have a greater likelihood of experiencing glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration, and retinal detachment later in life compared to their non-myopic peers.
However, there’s good news! You can take specific lifestyle measures to support your child’s healthy eye development. By being mindful of their screen time and encouraging breaks, you can help reduce the risk of digital eye strain and related discomfort. Additionally, engaging in outdoor activities and other screen-free pastimes can contribute positively to their eye health and potentially help manage myopia progression.
What Can You Do To Help Your Child?
To ensure your child’s eye health, begin by limiting their daily screen time to 1-2 hours whenever possible. During screen use, remind them to take breaks and shift their gaze to distant objects every 20 minutes, reducing the risk of digital eye strain.
Encourage outdoor playtime as another eye-healthy habit. Research indicates that spending a few hours outside each day lowers the likelihood of nearsightedness compared to staying indoors. Scientists are exploring whether exposure to the sun’s bright rays or focusing on faraway objects contributes to preventing myopia’s development and progression.
However, the most crucial step you can take is scheduling regular visits to the optometrist. Early detection of eye problems is essential in achieving the best possible results for your child’s eye health.
Kid’s Eye Exams in Brampton West
Welcome to Westpoint Optical, where our optometrists provide exceptional eye care services in a child-friendly environment. Our compassionate and patient staff will go the extra mile to make sure your child feels safe and comfortable during their visit.
During the comprehensive eye exam, we will thoroughly assess your child’s eye health and evaluate their visual acuity along with other important visual skills. Rest assured, we will discuss the examination results with both you and your child, addressing any queries you may have.
To book your child’s eye exam at our Brampton West location, give us a call at Westpoint Optical today. We look forward to serving you and your child’s eye care needs!