As children increasingly use smartphones, tablets and computers in the digital age, parents are becoming more concerned about the effects of screens on eye health. Although there is no evidence that screen use itself causes permanent eye damage, looking at screens for extended periods can lead to eye strain and dryness. Spending less time outdoors may also be associated with a higher risk of developing myopia, or nearsightedness.
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With World Sight Day observed on the second Thursday of October, the importance of protecting eye health and encouraging children to adopt habits that help preserve their vision comes into focus.
How can you protect your child’s eyes from the effects of screens?
Here are some key tips to help reduce eye strain and regulate children’s screen use.
1. Set screen-time limits according to age
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends avoiding screen use for children under 18 months, except for interactive video calls. For children aged 18 to 24 months, high-quality digital content may be introduced with a parent watching alongside them. Children aged 2 to 5 should have no more than one hour of screen time per day.
For children aged 6 and older, it is preferable to set appropriate limits to ensure that screen use does not interfere with sleep, physical activity and other daily activities.
2. Follow the 20-20-20 rule to reduce eye strain
Constantly focusing on a screen can cause eye strain and dryness, particularly because people tend to blink less when looking at screens for long periods.
To reduce these symptoms, encourage your child to follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes of screen time, look at an object about 20 feet (6 metres) away for 20 seconds to give the eyes’ internal focusing muscles a break.
3. Maintain an appropriate distance between the child and the screen
Holding tablets too close to the face can contribute to eye strain and the development of myopia. The screen should be approximately an arm’s length away, around 45–60 centimetres from the child’s face, and positioned slightly below eye level.
Screen use in dark environments should also be avoided, as should excessively low brightness settings that create tiring visual contrast.
4. Encourage more outdoor activity
Research suggests that spending more time outdoors and being exposed to natural light may help reduce the risk of developing myopia and slow its progression. The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends encouraging children to spend regular time outdoors as part of a balanced lifestyle.
Outdoor play is an important healthy habit, alongside managing screen time and taking regular breaks during screen use.
Signs that your child may need an eye examination
A child may need to see an eye doctor if they repeatedly show signs such as:
Excessive or frequent eye rubbing.
Complaints of headaches after using screens.
Tilting the head when trying to see objects.
Holding books or devices noticeably close to the face.
Complaints of blurred or double vision.
Early prevention and a balance between screen use and outdoor activities can help protect children’s eye health. Simple daily habits can reduce eye strain and support long-term vision health.
