Screens have become part of our day to day lives and children are using screens younger and younger. In todays society, research has shown that children as young as 6 months are exposed to their parents’ phones and tablets and by their teens, it is recorded that children are spending up to 7 hours a day using screen-based media.

It is essential for children to be taught about the effect screen time has on their eye health, whilst screen time does not necessarily cause permanent damage to your eyesight, too much screen time can result in digital eyestrain (burning, itchy and tired eyes), headache, neck pain and blurred vision.

These side effects can be reduced by reminding your children to:

• Blink often
• Keep the device an arm length away
• Adjust the contrast and brightness
• Take regular breaks
• Ensure prescription glasses are worn if required

In recent years, blue light blocking glasses have become somewhat of a fashion statement. However, there is no scientific evidence that there is any benefit of wearing them in relation to eye health. Interesting fact – as humans we are exposed to more blue light from our source of natural light, the sun, than we are through our digital devices, such as computer screens, tablets and mobile phones. As with all indulgences in life, everything in moderation is key.