Kids and Screen Time: Helping Children in St. Louis Avoid Digital Eye Strain
From schoolwork on tablets to video games and summer streaming, kids in St. Louis are spending more time in front of screens than ever before. While digital devices have their benefits, too much screen time can put stress on young eyes. The result is a condition known as digital eye strain — and it can affect children just as much as adults.
At Eyeroc, we want to help parents understand how screen use impacts kids’ vision and share practical tips to protect their eyes at home, in school, and outdoors.
What Is Digital Eye Strain?
Digital eye strain, sometimes called computer vision syndrome, occurs when the eyes get tired from extended use of computers, tablets, or phones. Children may not always explain what they’re feeling, but parents can watch for signs like:
- Complaints of blurry or double vision
- Headaches or eye fatigue
- Difficulty focusing after screen time
- Rubbing the eyes or frequent blinking
- Neck or shoulder discomfort from poor posture
Because children’s eyes are still developing, regular strain can make focusing more difficult over time and may even contribute to worsening vision.
Practical Tips to Reduce Digital Eye Strain
Follow the 20-20-20 Rule
Encourage kids to take a short break every 20 minutes. Have them look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This helps relax the eye muscles and prevent fatigue.
Prioritize Good Lighting
Lighting plays a big role in eye comfort. Position screens to reduce glare from windows or overhead lights, and avoid using devices in complete darkness. Balanced, indirect indoor lighting reduces strain on the eyes.
Encourage Outdoor Time
Research shows that natural daylight helps protect children’s vision. Aim for at least one to two hours of outdoor play each day, whether it’s a walk, sports, or unstructured time in the yard. More daylight helps balance the hours spent indoors on screens.
Limit Recreational Screen Use
While schoolwork may require devices, set reasonable limits on recreational use. Encourage hobbies that give kids a break from close-up focus, like reading print books, playing outside, or doing creative projects.
Teach Proper Screen Habits
Make sure screens are at eye level or slightly below, and remind kids to sit at least arm’s length away from larger devices like monitors and laptops. For handheld devices, holding them too close can strain the eyes more quickly.
Why Regular Eye Exams Matter
Even with healthy screen habits, kids can develop vision problems that contribute to eye strain. A comprehensive eye exam can detect issues such as uncorrected farsightedness, astigmatism, or focusing problems that make screen use more challenging. Detecting these early means children can get the support they need to succeed in school and stay comfortable during daily activities.
Supporting Families in St. Louis
Managing screen time isn’t about eliminating devices altogether — it’s about creating balance. By combining smart screen habits, proper lighting, outdoor activity, and regular exams, parents can help their children use technology without sacrificing eye health.
If your child is showing signs of digital eye strain or it’s been more than a year since their last exam, schedule an appointment with Eyeroc in St. Louis. Our team is here to keep kids’ eyes healthy today and for the future.
