How to Reduce Eye Strain in Kids This School Year

How to Reduce Eye Strain in Kids This School Year

Learn more about the impact of digital eye strain on your child’s eyes and find out how to reduce eye strain in kids this semester. Whether they’re reading, using a tablet or computer to complete their school work, or simply enjoying downtime after the school day is over, eye strain can be one of the most common eye problems for children as it can be for adults. MAGRABi’s eye care specialists are here to help you keep your child’s eyes healthy this school year. 

Read on to learn more about the effects of eye strain and eye fatigue on your little ones, as well as some recommended tips from our experts for maintaining a healthy vision.

What is Eye Strain?

Eye strain is a widespread eye problem often caused by intense concentration from reading, writing, or the long-term use of digital devices such as smartphones, tablets, and computers. Symptoms such as headaches, eye fatigue, dry eyes, and blurred vision can occur when eyes become exceptionally tired after looking at screens or reading for long periods. 

What are the Effects of Too Much Screen Time?

While the effects of too much screen time and the symptoms of eye fatigue are temporary, excessive and long-term eye exertion can lead to more severe eye problems. Staring at screens for extended periods can lead to dry eyes. Studies show that people tend to blink less when they use a computer, tablet, or smartphone. As a result, the constant use of digital devices can lead to chronic dry eye, which can develop into more serious complications such as eye inflammation, corneal problems, and in some cases, the deterioration of vision.

Symptoms of Eye Strain in Children 

Knowing if your child is suffering from eye strain might not always be straightforward, especially when they are at a very young age. That is why our specialists at MAGRABi recommend looking out for a few key signs and symptoms.

Signs that your child may be suffering from eye strain:

• They start experiencing more frequent headaches.
• They squint when writing, reading, looking at screens, or watching TV.
• They rub their eyes excessively.
• They have tired-looking eyes or complain of eye discomfort.
• They have red or inflamed eyes.
• They have frequent watery eyes or dry eyes.

How to Protect Kids From Eye Strain This School Semester

There are plenty of ways to prevent eye strain and protect your child’s eyes during the school year.

Limit Screen Time

Limiting screen time is one of the most important ways to protect children’s vision. Experts recommend spending no more than 1 to 2 hours of screen time a day, and this includes any electronic screen: tablets, phones, televisions and computers. 

20-20-20 Rule

The 20-20-20 rule can be an excellent method to encourage children to take regular breaks between periods of intense concentration, whether they’re reading, writing, playing a video game, or watching TV. 

This rule works by children breaking intense focus every 20 minutes to rest their eyes and looking at something around 20 feet away (6 meters) for 20 seconds. Kids learn this method quickly and can eventually remember to exercise it on their own to break their intense focus and help their eyes fully relax. 

Monitor the Distance at Which They Watch TV Or Use Devices

Children like to sit close to the TV and to use screens at a close distance, and this causes increased eye strain. Always make sure they are at a healthy distance from the television, computer, or tablet. And try to monitor if they squint when sitting farther, because it might indicate they need glasses.

Consider Buying Them an Anti-Blue Light Pair of Glasses

In today’s world, our children’s exposure to digital screens is inevitable. Limiting their screen time is essential, and getting them added blue light protection is even better. You can shop for anti-blue light glasses for kids at MAGRABi, where a wide range of frames are available from top brands like Ray-Ban Junior, Miraflex, and EYE’M. 

Take Them for an Eye Test

Regular eye tests are recommended for adults as they are for children. If you have noticed repetitive eye strain symptoms with your child, like holding his/her book very close to his/her eyes, squinting frequently and performing less at school, then these are clear signs he/she might need  glasses. 

Getting your children an eye test for assurance only is always a good idea as well. Now that the school year has just begun, take them to a pediatric ophthalmologist for a checkup or book an appointment at MAGRABi where the minimum legal age for an Eye Test is 14. 

If Your Child Needs Glasses, Go For Kid-Friendly Brands

Specialty kids glasses are designed with kids’ comfort and safety in mind so they can sport them in class as in the playground. Shop brands that combine style and functionality for little ones, like Ray-Ban Junior, Miraflex and EYE’M – the exclusive MAGRABi brand that caters to kids and teens & tweens in an innovative spectrum of colors and shapes that expresses their young personalities. 

Shop that latest collection of EYE’M boys’ eyeglasses and glasses for girls crafted from premium materials and constructions. EYE’M Cheeky range is perfect for little ones looking for their first pair of glasses, while EYE’M Legendary is designed for older kids (11 and older).

For older children looking to transition from glasses to contact lenses, MAGRABi’s team of experts will provide you with all the information and assistance you need. 

For more information, visit our helpful staff in a MAGRABi store near you.