Signs Your Child Needs a Comprehensive Eye Exam

With the use of more screens in everyday activities and school work, your child's eyes may be suffering. The American Optometric Association shares the signs of vision problems in children, how to limit the possibility of vision problems, and when your child should have comprehensive eye exams.

Computers and Smart Boards are a common staple in today’s classrooms, but now with programs such as “bring your own device” to school, smartphones and tablets are seeing increased use in schools as well. As these devices transition between home and the classroom, it’s clear that the use of these technologies is evolving from a trend to a necessity, even among the youngest students. According to the American Optometric Association’s 2013 American Eye-Q® survey, 85 percent of parents indicate their children use an electronic device up to four hours per day.

This is no surprise as the survey also indicates 41 percent of children have their own smartphone or tablet and 32 percent use both e-books and textbooks at school. Additionally, 66 percent of children use a computer or tablet to do homework or study. With the consistent use of electronic devices throughout the day and evening, children of all ages can face a number of visual challenges.

“When children stare at screens for hours each day, it may cause visual discomfort that can interfere with their ability to focus and learn,” said Kimberly Friedman, O.D., AOA spokesperson and pediatric vision specialist.  “As a mom and an eye doctor, I know first-hand just how important it is for school-aged children to receive comprehensive eye examinations prior to heading back into a classroom.”

Despite the increase in technology use, only one-third (31 percent) of parents have strong concerns that their children may damage their eyes as a result of prolonged exposure. Although ongoing use won’t damage vision, regular, lengthy use of technology at school or for homework can lead to a temporary vision condition called computer vision syndrome. Symptoms of CVS can include eyestrain, headaches, fatigue, burning or tired eyes, loss of focus, blurred vision, double vision, or head and neck pain. The AOA urges students to rest their eyes by following the 20-20-20 rule. When using technology or doing near work, take a 20-second break every 20 minutes and view something 20 feet away.

As children of all ages become more frequent users of technology, eye doctors are increasingly warning parents about the potential signs or symptoms of CVS or undiagnosed vision problems that may arise and indicate the need for an eye exam:

Preschool and kindergarten: At home, little ones may begin to play games on a tablet or smartphone, while at school they tend to learn early lessons about how to use a computer. The AOA suggests limiting tech time to two hours or less each day and increasing the font size of the text on the screen in order to make it easier on eyes. During this stage, parents should be aware of physical signs that may flag a potential vision problem and ask themselves the following questions:

• Are my child’s eyes aligned properly or does one or both eyes turn inward or outward?
• Does my child frequently rub his or her eyes or blink excessively when doing near work?
• Does my child experience difficulty recognizing colors, shapes, letters, and numbers?

Elementary school: At this age, children continue to use smartphones, play with portable gaming devices, and spend hours on computers at school and at home. Encourage kids to use cell phones only for quick tasks such as texting, and to position all devices half an arm’s length away from the eyes and slightly below eye level. Children should also take frequent breaks and move around or change positions often while working on a computer. Parents of this age group should ask children and themselves the following questions to learn more about the health of their vision: