Let’s Talk About Children and Digital Eyestrain

No matter where you go today, you are sure to see the same thing – children and electronics. The trend has become even more pronounced with the introduction of a new Pokemon digital game that is designed to get people off of the couch as they chase mysterious creatures around town, through parks and near public libraries. While there are many great benefits to encouraging youth and adults alike to be more active, parents need to be aware that too much digital time can have a negative impact on children’s overall eye health.

Aren’t Electronics Important in Society Today?

In going beyond handheld devices and video games, many parents agree that children simply must know how to use a computer before they start school.  In fact, many state-run preschools encourage children to use a computer for less than half an hour per day so that they will be familiar with them by the time they enter school. This type of limited computer use is not at issue, and your child should not have any negative effects from it. Too many hours in a computer or electronic device can lead to problems in children including:

• Computer vision syndrome
• Poor Posture
• Overexposure to blue light

Protective Measures

In order to ensure that your child is comfortable and familiar with computers by the time he or she enters school, but is unharmed by these types of things, there are several protective measures parent can take.   By talking to your child’s eye doctor in or around the Eagle, ID area, you will be able to understand helpful and protective measures such as how children can wear special blue blocking glasses that will protect them from dangerous blue light. Also, the doctor can offer helpful tips and suggestions about the length of time that is recommended for each age. Protecting your child’s vision should be at the top of your list when it comes to damage that may be done by overexposure to all things digital.