Screens are part of everyday life for kids—from schoolwork to play. At West Coast Optical in Surrey, we help parents understand how screen time can affect children’s eyes and what you can do to protect their vision. You may wonder how all this screen time affects their developing eyes, sometimes leading to symptoms of digital eye strain. Understanding the connection between digital devices and vision can help you support your child’s eye health and comfort.
You can protect your child’s developing vision by creating healthy screen habits, encouraging outdoor play, and scheduling regular children’s eye exams. These proactive steps help manage the effects of screen use and support their long-term eye health.
Digital Eye Strain & Your Child’s Vision
You may notice your child experiences discomfort after spending time on digital devices. This is often called digital eye strain, a group of vision-related problems caused by prolonged focus on a screen. It happens because our eyes work harder to see screens than they do to see printed text.
The blue light from screens, glare, and a tendency to blink less can all contribute to tired, uncomfortable eyes. We can help you understand these effects. Together, we can find ways to support your child’s visual comfort.
Notice These Signs of Eye Strain
Your child might not always tell you their eyes feel tired or strained. Instead, you might observe certain behaviours or hear them mention symptoms. Watch for these common signs after screen use:
- Dry or watery eyes
- Headaches
- Blurred vision
- Increased light sensitivity
- Soreness in the neck or shoulders
If you notice these signs often, it may be a good time for a check-up. You can learn more about what to expect at a pediatric eye exam to feel prepared and help your child feel comfortable.
How Screens Affect Developing Eyes
A child’s visual system continues to develop throughout their early years. Prolonged near-work—like staring at a tablet or phone—places extra demands on their focusing muscles. This consistent strain can impact their visual comfort and development.
Our goal is to help you manage these new challenges. We can provide strategies to balance screen use with other activities that support healthy eye development. Regular eye care helps monitor your child’s vision as they grow.
Create Healthy Habits for Screen Use
You can help protect your child’s eyes by creating simple, consistent habits around screen use. These small adjustments can make a big difference in their daily comfort. It’s all about balance and thoughtful routines.
Practice the 20-20-20 Rule
One of the most effective strategies is the 20-20-20 rule. It’s easy for kids to remember and put into practice. It works like this—every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break to look at something 20 feet away.
This simple exercise allows the eye muscles to relax from constant close-up focus. You can set a timer to help your child build this into their screen routine. It’s a powerful tool for reducing eye fatigue.
Encourage More Outdoor Time
Time spent outdoors is very beneficial for a child’s eyes. Natural light and looking at distant objects give their eyes a much-needed break from screens. It allows their focusing system to relax completely.
Even one to two hours of outdoor play each day can support healthy eye development and may even help reduce the risk of developing nearsightedness. It’s a fun and natural way to protect their vision. Plus, it encourages an active lifestyle.
The Role of Children’s Eye Exams
Regular professional eye care is a key part of your child’s overall health. A comprehensive exam does more than just check for 20/20 vision. It allows us to evaluate the health of their eyes and how they work together as a team.
We recommend routine children’s eye exams to monitor visual development and catch any potential issues early. This proactive approach supports your child’s ability to learn and engage with the world comfortably.
What We Check During an Exam
During a children’s eye exam, we assess several aspects of their vision. We check for refractive errors like nearsightedness or farsightedness. We also evaluate eye alignment, tracking, and focusing abilities.
We look at the overall health of the eye, both inside and out. These checks help us create a complete picture of your child’s visual function. It’s a simple, comfortable process for your child.
Protect Eyes Beyond the Screen
Visual health is not just about managing screen time. You also need to protect your child’s eyes from environmental factors like UV radiation and physical injury. These steps help ensure their eyes stay safe during all their activities.
Find Sunglasses with UV Protection
The sun’s ultraviolet rays can damage the eyes, just like they can damage the skin. Understanding the difference between polarized and UV-protective lenses can help you make the best choice for your child’s sunglasses. This helps protect their eyes during outdoor play.
We can help you choose the right pair of sunglasses for your child. Proper sunglasses protection with UV filters is an important part of long-term eye health. It’s a simple step with lasting benefits.
Choose Sports Safety Eyewear
If your child participates in sports, their eyes are at a higher risk of injury. Regular glasses or sunglasses do not provide enough protection. Sports safety eyewear is designed to withstand impact and protect their eyes.
These frames are made from strong, shatter-resistant materials. They can be fitted with prescription or non-prescription lenses. This is a smart choice for any young athlete.
Comprehensive Care for Your Family’s Vision
Your family’s eye health needs can change over time. From a child’s first eye exam to managing adult eye conditions, we are here to provide consistent care. Our focus is on building a long-term relationship with your family.
We offer a range of services, from routine eye exams in Surrey to more specific care. This includes contact lens fittings and help with eye disease management. We want to support your family’s vision at every stage.
Vision Correction & Style
If your child needs glasses, we can help them find a pair they love to wear. We have a selection of durable and stylish designer frames that are perfect for active kids. Finding the right fit can help them feel confident.
Properly fitted glasses or contact lenses can make a significant difference in a child’s learning and daily life. We take the time to ensure their new eyewear is comfortable and provides clear vision. It’s about both function and feel.
Support for Lifelong Eye Health
At West Coast Optical, we care for your family’s vision at every stage of life. From a child’s first exam to ongoing support as their needs change, our team is here to provide consistent, personalized care.
By getting to know your family, we can better understand your unique vision needs and offer solutions that support clear, comfortable sight now and in the future.Book your child’s eye exam at West Coast Optical in Surrey and take the next step toward lifelong healthy vision.
