Children are using the internet Virtual Learning more than adults. During the COVID-19 pandemic, a lot of kids went to school through Zoom and finished their homework online. Even once everyone goes back to school, the trend toward more screen time—whether for gaming or keeping in touch with friends—is probably going to continue.

We already know that extended usage of screens can lead to a number of issues in both adults and children, including digital eye strain and indications of dry eyes. Evidence suggests that prolonged exposure to blue light may affect retinal cell growth. To prove a direct link, however, research on real subjects is still required.

Dry Eyes

Because we blink about 66% less when using a computer than when engaging in other daily activities, prolonged screen time can affect how rapidly our tears evaporate. Our eyes become dry and scratchy when tears evaporate too quickly and aren’t replaced by blinking. Therefore, to keep your eyes from drying out, remember to blink every few seconds!

Blue Light Exposure

Blue light is emitted by screens, including those seen on computers, phones, and tablets. The retinal cells at the rear of your eyes can be harmed by excessive blue light exposure, according to recent studies. This could raise the chance of developing vision problems like age-related macular degeneration, which ultimately results in irreversible vision loss.

Because it fools your internal clock into believing it is the middle of the day, too much blue light has also been demonstrated to interfere with the circadian rhythms that control our sleep habits. Daytime weariness, sleeplessness, and trouble falling asleep could result from this.

Digital Eye Strain

Digital eye strain, often known as computer vision syndrome, affects around 60% of persons who regularly use computers or other digital devices. Eye tiredness and discomfort, dry eye, headaches, impaired vision, shoulder and neck pain, eye twitching, and red eyes are all signs of eye strain.

You can lessen eye strain and shoulder, back, and neck pain during the workday by taking frequent breaks from your screen.

It is advised to take a minimum of one 10-minute break each hour. To ease tension and muscular aches, get up during these breaks, move around, and stretch your arms, legs, back, neck, and shoulders.

Also, look away from your computer at least every 20 minutes and gaze at a distant object at least 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This relaxes the focusing lens inside the eye to prevent fatigue.

How to Make Virtual Learning Safer For Your Child

Virtual Learning The following tips can lessen the impact of screens on your child’s eyes:

• Reduce overall screen time
• Encourage frequent breaks
• Use accessories that filter blue light (for example, blue light glasses)
• Schedule regular eye exams

Make Sure Your Child Gets Routine Eye Exams

To evaluate the condition of their eyes, correct their vision, and identify any issues that can impact their behavior and learning, children require thorough eye exams.

Give our Waco optometrist a call right now to get a pediatric eye exam in your area!