Effects of Screen Time on Kids' Eyes

Many parents understand that too much screen time isn’t good for their children and that being outdoors or playing games with their siblings or friends is more beneficial. 

Besides the fact that fresh air is good for health and playing with others contributes to communication skills and imagination, there is another significant reason parents should limit screen time for their kids - eye health!

We wanted to share information on how your child’s vision can be affected by an excessive amount of screen time and what you can do to help your kids develop healthy habits.

Some of the facts below might be widely known, but some might surprise you. 

Outside for Healthy Eyes

When children are on devices, they are indoors and deprived of natural sunlight, which is crucial for developing healthy eyes. Being outside isn’t just good for overall health, but very beneficial for the eyes. 

Nearsightedness (Myopia)

Unfortunately, a growing number of children have been developing nearsightedness for the last 30 years. 

Research has shown that kids who stay indoors are more likely to develop myopia. It is suspected that a safe amount of UV light contributes to healthy eye development. Remember that UV light can also damage eyes, so they must be protected from excessive amounts of UV light, especially in New Zealand. 

Eye Fatigue and Dry Eyes

Focusing on a small screen for a long time can lead to eye fatigue. Our eyes need regular rest from a close-up focus, and many kids get absorbed in what they are doing, making their eyes very tired and overworked, especially when the screen has a glare.

After using your close-up vision, it is hard to adjust your eyes to the long-distance vision. Kids can experience a loss of focus, which is usually a temporary problem, which gets back to normal after a few hours. 

When we look at a screen, we tend to blink much less than usual. Less blinking makes our eyes dry, irritated and uncomfortable. Dry eyes can also prevent us from having clear vision. 

Poor sleep

An excessive amount of screen time can also affect children’s sleep. When eyes are exposed to blue light in the evening, the brain thinks it’s daytime, shifting the body into an alert state. Exciting and busy content of what your child is watching can also overstimulate them and wound them up. 

How to help your child develop healthy eye habits

• Create boundaries around using devices. Set time limits and stick to them. 

• Include daily outdoor activities. They don’t need to be extravagant; even a walk in the park is beneficial. 

• Establish family rules around using devices in certain situations, for example, at the dinner table or in the car. 

• Take devices away when it’s time for bed. No devices should stay in the bedrooms.

• Be the role model - show your children that everything needs to be balanced and that screen time should not be excessive for adults as well.  

• If your child has to work on their computer for school projects, then get them glasses with blue light reflection, which they can use.

• Supplement their diet with food rich in vitamins rich in Vitamin A. 

• Give your child vitamins to support their vision - Childlife Essentials Healthy Vision SoftMelts is excellent for children’s developing eyesight.