Health experts are warning that children could develop an eye condition during the summer holidays due to prolonged smartphone use. As the summer holidays come to an end, many young kids and teenagers will be spending the remaining time on their smartphones, potentially harming their eyesight.
Concern Over Screen Time
In stark contrast to how children enjoyed holidays a couple of decades ago, many kids are now glued to tech devices instead of playing outside. The Department of Health and Social Care found that fewer than one in five kids (18%) get an hour of exercise a day, raising concerns about physical health. But eye health is also at risk, as increased screen time gives children fewer opportunities to rest their eyes.
Digital Eye Strain Symptoms
Specialists at Optical Express warn that extended periods focusing on screens can contribute to digital eye strain, with symptoms including tired eyes, blurred vision, headaches, dry eyes, and difficulty refocusing. While digital devices have not been shown to cause permanent eye damage, prolonged screen use combined with reduced time outside may contribute to the development and progression of myopia (short-sightedness) in susceptible children.
Expert Advice
Dr Stephen Hannan, group clinical services director at Optical Express, said: "Summer holidays naturally mean children spend more time using phones, tablets, computers and games consoles. Technology plays an important role in education and entertainment, but it's equally important that children spend time outdoors, take regular breaks from close-up tasks and avoid prolonged periods of uninterrupted screen use. These simple habits can help reduce digital eye strain and support healthy visual development."
He added: "Parents are often the first to notice when something isn't quite right with their child's vision. Frequent eye rubbing, headaches, squinting, sitting unusually close to screens or the television, losing their place when reading, or struggling to see distant objects may all be signs that an eye examination is needed." Dr Hannan notes that regular eye examinations are one of the most effective ways to identify vision problems early, and early detection can make a "significant difference".
Tips for Parents
Optical Express suggests encouraging children to try the 20-20-20 rule: look approximately 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds every 20 minutes of screen time. This allows the eyes to refocus and the brain to take in details of the world around them. Other techniques include spending at least two hours outdoors each day where practical, using digital devices in well-lit environments, maintaining an appropriate viewing distance, and avoiding prolonged periods of uninterrupted screen use.
