6 Tips to Protect Your Family’s Eyes
During Screen Time

Working remotely, attending online courses, or binge-watching shows while scrolling on your phone? With screen time on the rise, it’s no surprise that many are experiencing digital eye strain. As we rely more on our devices, prioritizing eye health has never been more important. Here are 6 screen time tips to help reduce the negative effects of prolonged screen use.

Set Screen Time Limits
Studies have shown that the average screen time for kids and teens has increased to more than 6 hours a day, not including time spent on screens for school. Screen time tips for parents often recommend limiting family screen time, which can help protect your family’s eyes and help prevent digital eye strain.


Adjust the Lighting
Proper lighting is an essential screen time tip, helping to reduce strain on your family’s eyes and promote better screen time habits. Squinting at a screen can lead to eye strain and headaches. So, don’t make your eyes work harder than they need to. Reduce overhead lighting and sunlight from windows to minimize screen glare and avoid uncomfortable neck postures.


Change Your Positioning
Just like with TVs, sitting too close to your computer can lead to straining your neck, back, and eyes. Keep your face about arm’s length from the screen and slightly below eye level to help reduce strain on your eyes and body. Using progressive lenses or computer glasses may help as well by adjusting where you look through your lenses and helping you view your screen at the right distance.


Add Moisture
Do you have dry, itchy eyes? When we’re busy working and reading on digital screens, we tend to blink less. Using a humidifier or lubricant drops can help relieve these symptoms of dryness. It’s an important screen time tip to help keep your eyes comfortable throughout the day.


Use Blue Light Filtering Lenses
All digital screens emit blue light, which can contribute to eye strain and difficulty focusing. Blue light filtering lenses may help reduce these symptoms and protect your eyes, especially during extended screen time.


Follow the 20/20/20 Rule
Your eyes are intended to see at all distances, shifting from near to far and everywhere in between. Extended screen use can lead to eye strain, so use this simple tip during your screen time: every 20 minutes, shift your view to look at an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Ah, isn’t that better!


Screen Time Tips for parents
The above tips are important for everyone in the family, but especially for kids, as their screen time continues to rise. Help them protect their eyes and build healthy screen habits now that can last for years to come. Try to set limits with screen time and adjust screen settings for comfort. Encourage them to take regular breaks and make time for outdoor activities. These little things can help reduce the risks of digital eye strain


Scheduling An Eye Exam
As you implement the above screen time tips to help protect your eyes, it’s also important to schedule a comprehensive eye exam. digital eye strain can affect your vision over time. At Pearle Vision, our eye care experts are happy to answer any questions you have about eye health or screen time concerns. Plus, an annual eye exam can help detect any eye issues early. Take the next step in caring for your vision. Schedule an eye exam today at your neighborhood Pearle Vision.

Pearle Vision FAQs

Can less screen time improve vision?
The truth is, that reducing screen time can improve eye health by easing the discomforts associated with digital eye strain, such as dryness and fatigue. While it may not directly improve vision or change your prescription, less screen time can be particularly beneficial for children and support healthier vision in the long run.


How does screen time impact eye health?
Excessive screen time can impact your eye health, especially by contributing to digital eye strain. Prolonged screen use often leads to symptoms like dry eyes, headaches, blurry vision, and neck or back discomfort. While more time in front of screens can lead to these issues, it’s important to note that taking simple steps, such as reducing screen time and following healthy habits, can help protect eye health over time.


How to reduce screen time?
Reducing screen time can be easier when you incorporate small changes into your routine. Be mindful of digital screens by using them primarily for essential tasks and balancing your day with offline activities like reading or spending time outdoors. Set limits for tech use, especially before bed, and create screen-free zones during meals to help reduce eye strain and promote healthier habits.

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Sources:
https://preventblindness.org/blue-light-and-your-eyes/

https://www.osfhealthcare.org/blog/kids-screen-time-how-much-is-too-much/