Children are spending more time staring at digital screens. Research shows that children begin using digital devices as young as 6 months old. By their teens, kids spend nearly 7 hours a day doing activities on digital devices. Like it or not, we live in a digital era, where any game, movie, book, or trivia question is available at the touch of our fingers. Recently, there has been a lot of research into how screen time affects our children’s eyes and brain development. The COVID pandemic has forced families inside into isolation and children have turned to their devices in order to complete their schoolwork, connect with friends, and pass the time. As children’s use of digital devices rise, many parents wonder how harmful excessive exposure to screen time can be.

Is There a Safe Amount of Screen Time for Children?

The World Health Organization‘s 2019 guidelines suggest no screen time at all for children before age 1, and very limited screen time for children for several years after that.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations for screen time in children:

• 18 months and younger: No screen time is still best. The exception is live video chat with family and friends.
• 18 months to 2 years: Limit screen time and avoid solo use. Choose high-quality programming and watch with kids to ensure understanding.
• 2 to 5 years: Limit screen time to an hour a day. Parents should watch as well to ensure understanding and application to their world.
• 6 or older: Place consistent Limits on the time spent and types of media. Don’t let screen time affect sleep, exercise or other behaviors.

Are There Side Effects of Prolonged Screen Time for Children?

The American Journal of Ophthalmology published an article this year investigating the effect of digital screen time during this COVID era. They found that increased screen time, near work, and limited outdoor activities were found to be associated with the onset and progression of myopia. Myopia, or nearsightedness, is when light does not focus correctly, and distance objects appear blurred. The number of people diagnosed with myopia has grown significantly in the last few decades, a trend that coincides with the increased use of computers and digital devices by children. This is concerning, especially given the known risks associated with high myopia, including vision loss. Fortunately, if your child is diagnosed with myopia, there are treatments available to discuss with your eye doctor to slow progression.

Concentrating on a screen for extended periods can cause concentration difficulties and headaches centered around the temple and eyes. Children may also use screen devices in areas without sufficient lighting, causing fatigue from squinting. Studies also show that people blink significantly less when concentrating on a digital screen, which can leave their eyes dry and irritated. Desktop and laptop computer use can be especially tough on children’s eyes, because they’re usually positioned higher up in the visual field than a book, for example. As a result, the upper eyelids tend to be open wider causing an increased evaporation of the eye’s tear film.

Other studies have indicated that excessive screen usage in young children and adolescents has been associated with development of acute onset esotropia or crossing of the eyes. Gazing at the same near target for an extended time can cause the eye’s focusing system to spasm or temporarily “lock up.” This condition is called accommodative spasm. Research shows that the blue light from computer and device screens, when used in the evening, alters the brain’s sleep rhythms. Excessive screen time can also lead to “Computer Vision Syndrome” which is a combination of headaches, eye strain, fatigue, blurry vision for distance, and severe dry eyes.

What Can Parents Do to Help?

• Monitor Screen Time
• Encourage Sleep
• Encourage Exercise
• Remind Children to Take Frequent Breaks (20x20x20 Rule)
• Remind Children to Blink While Using Digital Devices
• Establish Better Lighting and Seating
• Get Regular Vision Screenings by an Eye Doctor

“Truth be told, as a mom of three small children, I understand the difficulties of parenting in a digital world. However, it is incredibly importance that as parents, we help our children develop a healthy relationship with devices: set boundaries, create a healthy daily schedule, be a role model in your own screen time, and when use your kids use devices, use the 20/20/20 rule!” states Dr. Monica Bratton, Pediatric Specialist. Due to the rising concerns and risks of digital devices, the ophthalmologists and optometrists at Marietta Eye Clinic strongly encourage you to seek an appointment with an eye doctor to discuss the best ways to help navigate your child’s sight through this digital world.

More About Pediatric Specialist Monica Bratton, M.D.

See Dr. Monica Bratton’s Full Bio Here

Dr. Bratton is an ophthalmologist at Marietta Eye Clinic who specializes in pediatrics and adult strabismus. She serves the Kennestone, Acworth, and Towne Lake offices. Dr. Bratton graduated with her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Tennessee and received her medical degree from the University of Tennessee College of Medicine. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and a member of the American Academy of Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus and the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology. Read her full bio here.

References and Additional Resources

The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) is the world’s largest association of eye physicians and surgeons. It describes itself as a “global community of 32,000 medical doctors who protect sight and empower lives by setting the standards for ophthalmic education and advocating for our patients and the public.” Its website is a great resource to learn more about how to care for your eyes.

The American Optometric Association (AOA) describes itself as the leading authority on quality care and an advocate for our nation’s health, representing more than 44,000 Doctors of Optometry (O.D.), optometric professionals, and optometry students.

https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/screen-use-kids

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2776336/

https://www.aap.org/

https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/kids-computer-eye-strain/2021/04/23/2f4ca928-988c-11eb-a6d0-13d207aadb78_story.html

https://www.apa.org/monitor/2020/04/cover-kids-screens

https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/eyes/Pages/What-Too-Much-Screen-Time-Does-to-Your-Childs-Eyes.aspx