Eye Comfort and Safety Tips for Children and Screens

Eye Comfort and Safety Tips for Children and Screens

The best way to deal with possible effects of screens on children's eye and vision is to help them set good habits for use. These same tips are good practices for adults and anyone suffering from chronic dry eyes or eye strain.

• Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at least 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
• Set a timer to remind the child how often to look into the distance.
• Alternate reading an e-book with a real book and encourage kids to look up and out the window every other chapter.
• After completing a level in a video game, look out the window for 20 seconds.
• Pre-mark books with a paperclip every few chapters to remind your child to look up. On an e-book, use the “bookmark” function for the same effect.
• Avoid using screens outside or in brightly lit areas, where the glare on the screen can create strain.
• Adjust the brightness and contrast of the screen so that it feels comfortable.
• Use good posture when using a screen. Poor posture can contribute to muscle tightness and headaches associated with eye strain.
• Encourage your child to hold digital media farther away: 18 to 24 inches is ideal.
• Remind them to blink when watching a screen.

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