In many ways, this school year will be unlike any other, as families navigate the impacts of COVID-19. In a recent survey, nearly 60% of Alachua County parents indicated they do not plan to send their children back to a brick and mortar school this fall. That translates to a large number of students taking classes digitally instead. Among the many complexities this raises is a concern for children’s vision health. Below are some points parents should be aware of and how you can help protect your children’s vision in this new reality.

Prevent Digital Eye Strain

Digital eye strain can result from extensive or improper viewing of digital screens (phones, tablets, computer monitors, etc). Taking classes remotely will require children to spend hours each day in front of these screens, which can produce headaches, blurred vision, dry, burning and irritated eyes, watery eyes, light sensitivity, difficulty keeping their eyes open and more. These symptoms can extend beyond your children’s time in front of the computer. 

Taking a few simple steps can help prevent digital eye strain. Ensure your children sit at least 25-inches from the screen, encourage them to blink regularly and set 20-minute timers to prompt 20-second breaks from looking at the screen. Make sure the room has sufficient ambient lighting and try to limit screen glare. Most importantly, if your children wear eyeglasses or contacts, talk to your eye doctor. Your children may benefit from eyeglasses made specifically for viewing digital screens.

Watch for Vision Challenge Warning Signs

Many children’s vision problems are initially identified at school. Occasionally, this happens through a formal vision screening. More often, it’s through observation of their behavior in the classroom. Teachers may notice a child squinting to see the blackboard, frequently rubbing or blinking his or her eyes, or avoiding reading and other close activities. These are just a few of the potential signs of vision challenges.

Without in-person teachers to make these observations, parents must be more vigilant. In addition to the warning signs listed above, you should also watch for any complaints of discomfort and fatigue, frequent headaches, covering one eye, holding reading materials close to his or her face, tilting his or her head to one side, or shortened attention span. When these symptoms arise, a trip to your local eye doctor is in order. 

Get Your Child a Vision Exam

The American Optometric Association suggests all children should have a comprehensive eye exam prior to starting first grade, and every two years thereafter. Given the issues listed above, increased frequency may be appropriate for your child. A comprehensive exam can identify eye diseases and conditions easily overlooked by a standard vision screening.

While some parents are hesitant to take their children out of the house for anything that isn’t urgent right now, few things are more essential than protecting your children’s eyesight. Thankfully, reputable eyecare practices have preemptive steps and precautions in place to make your visit as safe as possible.

To ensure your child’s eyes are ready to take on the upcoming school year, contact North Florida Cataract Specialists and Vision Care today at 352-373-4300 to schedule a comprehensive eye exam or learn more about eyeglasses optimized for digital screens.