When summer ends and classes begin, your child’s screen time doesn't just double — it becomes a non-negotiable part of their routine. From online textbooks to interactive homework platforms, most learning now happens with a glowing rectangle at the center of it. But while digital tools make education more efficient, they also bring real risks to your child’s eyes.
At Niwot Eyecare and Vision Therapy, we’ve seen firsthand how screen time-related eye strain can mimic symptoms of attention issues and learning delays—when the root cause is actually visual.
What Is Digital Eye Strain?
Digital eye strain, sometimes called computer vision syndrome, is a group of symptoms tied to prolonged screen use. These include:
- Dry, irritated, or watery eyes
- Headaches or pressure behind the eyes
- Blurry or double vision
- Difficulty focusing between distances
- Neck and shoulder tension from poor posture
- Squinting or rubbing the eyes after screen use
Children are particularly at risk because their visual systems are still developing — and they often lack the words to describe what’s wrong. If your child becomes cranky or avoids reading or homework, their eyes may be the problem, not their attitude.
How Returning to School Can Add to Screen Time
Classrooms today are filled with screens. Add that to time spent on devices at home, and your child’s eyes are under near-constant strain. This can create:
- Poor focusing ability between reading materials and smartboards
- Delayed homework due to visual fatigue
- Missed instructions or errors caused by blurry vision
- Poor posture and tension headaches from leaning in or slouching
- Complaints of headaches and dry eyes, especially while using screens
Left unaddressed, these symptoms can mimic behavioral issues or learning disorders — and may get worse throughout the year.
7 Tips for Protecting Your Child’s Vision at Home
Below are six easy, evidence-based strategies you can use at home to protect your child’s eyes from digital strain:
1. Follow the 20-20-20 Rule
Every 20 minutes, have your child look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This gives their eyes a much-needed break from focusing on close-up text, reducing eye strain.
2. Encourage Proper Posture
Ensure computer screens are positioned at eye level, approximately 18–24 inches away. Slouching leads to neck strain and reduces blinking—two major contributors to eye discomfort.
3. Use Blue Light Filters
Digital screens emit blue light, which interferes with melatonin and impacts sleep. Blue light–blocking glasses or screen filters can help minimize exposure, especially in the evening.
4. Set Screen Time Limits
Outside of school, aim for balanced screen habits. Encourage non-digital recreation like outdoor play, board games, or reading physical books to give their eyes a break.
5. Keep Screens Clean and Brightness Balanced
Dust and glare can strain the eyes more than you think. Clean screens regularly and adjust brightness to match the room’s lighting.
6. Encourage Regular Blinking
Staring at a screen can reduce blink rate by up to 60%. Remind your child to blink fully and often—it helps keep the eyes moist and reduces discomfort.
7. Book Regular Eye Exams
Routine exams are key for detecting vision problems early—especially those not caught during school screenings. A comprehensive eye exam can spot signs of digital strain, tracking issues, and other conditions that impact learning and comfort in class.
Vision Therapy: An Effective Way to Manage Digital Eye Strain
For some children, the issue isn’t screen use—it’s how their eyes work together. In these cases, vision therapy can make a big difference. Vision therapy is a custom, in-office program designed to help the eyes and brain work as a team. It’s especially helpful for children who:
- Struggle to read for long periods
- Lose their place or skip lines while reading
- Have trouble copying from the board
- Experience double vision or tracking issues
The earlier these issues are addressed, the better. Vision therapy helps rebuild critical visual pathways—leading to better academic performance, more confidence, and reduced stress around learning. For parents in Niwot, our practice offers vision therapy programs explicitly designed for screen-heavy school environments.
Set Your Child Up for a Clearer School Year in Niwot
Screens are part of education—but eye strain doesn’t have to be. Whether your child is starting kindergarten or heading into high school, Niwot Eyecare and Vision Therapy is here to protect their vision and help them feel more comfortable in class. Book your eye care appointment to take care of their eyes now—so they can focus on what really matters this school year.