It’s a new school year and for millions of children, that means online learning and more time in front of screens. Essilor Vision Foundation (EVF) encourages parents to protect their kids’ eyes from vision problems that can arise from increased time online.
Even before the coronavirus pandemic, parents expressed concern about the amount of time their kids spent looking at screens. A Pew Research Center study conducted in early March found that 71% of parents of a child under age 12 are somewhat concerned their child might spend too much time in front of screens.
It’s estimated that one in four kids has a vision impairment that affects their ability to learn. More screen time can exacerbate existing problems and negatively affect kids’ vision overall. Dr. Millicent Knight, Senior Vice President, Customer Development Group at Essilor of America, cites one example. “With reading in general, we used to read at 16 inches away from the eyes. Now what we’re finding, particularly with phones, is that kids are reading at 10 to 12 inches away.”
The eyes’ natural position is relaxed and looking straight ahead. However, at this closer range, the eyes turn in to focus on the screen, Dr. Knight explains. After a while, this turning in can lead to fatigue of the eye muscles, which can cause headaches or other vision problems.
Dr. Knight offers these tips to help kids avoid the potential vision issues that can be the result of more time online:
Even if parents follow this advice, their children still may have a vision impairment. Sitting too close to the TV, rubbing eyes frequently, and squinting to see better are all signs that a child could be suffering with a vision problem and needs a comprehensive eye exam.
Now more than ever, EVF urges parents to make vision care a priority by scheduling an appointment with an eye doctor to make sure their kids’ eyes are working well together and that they can see clearly.
Download more educational and insightful resources about children’s eye health and vision impairment on EVF’s website.
This article was featured in PR Newswire
Essilor Vision Foundation strives to give children a brighter future by helping them see the world more clearly. Since 2007, EVF has provided more than one million pairs of eyeglasses to individuals in need. Essilor Vision Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public, non-profit organization committed to eliminating poor vision and its lifelong consequences. To learn more, visit www.evfusa.org.
Media Contact: Meredith Marmurek | Email: meredith.marmurek@essilorusa.com | 214-850-3642
Essilor Vision Foundation (EVF) is pleased to announce that Marc Ferrara, President of Jobson Optical Group, and Lynn Fisher, Director of Corporate Giving for the Rosewood Corporation, have joined the foundation’s board of directors. Ferrara is an optical industry veteran. Throughout a career that spans more than 30 years, he has gained industry-wide respect and […]
In the U.S., more than 40 million people, including 12 million children, have vision problems and are not getting the vision correction they need to see clearly. GPN Technologies is dedicated to helping underserved communities by partnering with Essilor Vision Foundation (EVF). GPN Technologies delivers data-driven technology solutions that empower eye care professionals to make […]
Daniel knew he needed glasses. His vision problems impacted him in school and he thought a pair of glasses could help. The Oakhurst Elementary student from Fort Worth, Texas, shared, “I can’t see very much … but maybe glasses will help me see a lot.”
Enter a search term, then view the results.
Close
