In this digital age we seem to be spending more time daily in front of our screens whether it is at work, at home or in school! It is important to be mindful of our kids screen time and that it doesn't lead to vision issues as they age. The fact is that the more screen time our children get, the more they are at a higher risk of digital eye strain.

Making sure you and your children visit our optometrist regularly in Sydney and Glace Bay NS to protect them from any future damage to their eyes. There are many steps you can to do prevent digital eye strain and we are here to help.

Digital Eye Strain

The more time we spend in front of our iPhones, computers, tablets, and TVs, the harder our eyes have to work. This is a known fact! Hey mom and dad, vision problems can result from too much time spent on screens.

Digital eye strain from too much screen time can make the eyes susceptible to long-term serious vision problems.

Children typically don’t report eye strain to their parents. Some of the symptoms to watch out for are:

✓ Sore and tired eyes
✓ Blurry or double vision
✓ Difficulty concentrating
✓ Neck or back pain
✓ Watery or dry eyes

Here are some helpful tips to follow for reducing screen time and digital eye strain:

1. Workstation: If your child is working at a desk, ensure the desk is elbow height or slightly lower. The desk should also have forearm support. Children’s feet should be able to lay flat on the floor. If they can’t, put a stool underneath their feet so the body is supported. If chairs have arm or back rests, they should fit your child perfectly.
2. Regular Breaks: Kids should take regular breaks from screens at least every hour. These breaks should incorporate some sort of physical activity possibly in the back yard.
3. Device Distance: Screens should be approximately arm’s length away from your child. The top of a computer monitor should be at your child’s eye level. If using a computer, the mouse and keyboard should be within comfortable reach.
4. Screen Settings: Make sure screens aren’t too bright and text isn’t too small. If font size is hard to read it will put even more strain on the eyes so increase the size to something easily readable. There’s plenty of information available online about how to change the settings on your child’s particular device.
5. Black Blue Light: Screens emit blue light which can lead to eye strain. Blue light also inhibits melatonin production and can interfere with your child’s sleep schedule. So never too late with screens near bedtime. If your child already wears glasses, your optometrist can help you with blue light blocking lenses.

Glasses for Children

Tamarind Optical are great with kids! In fact, kids 9 years old are eligible for FREE coverage. Let's get on top of Digital Eye Strain together!

Call us for more info! Let’s make sure they’re seeing clearly. So start by booking an eye exam with us today - 902-564-5332 in Sydney River and 902-842-3333 in Glace Bay

Making decisions where it comes to glasses or frames for your children is never easy. It's not only the look of the frames that is important but the glasses in general. They must be functional, feel snug so they don't fall off, and look good for your child feels confident in their new eye wear. Let your children be a part of the decision making process when it comes to ordering glasses or frames. Maybe let your child choose his or her favorite frames on their own, then come in with your suggestions.

If the frame color is right and they have chosen it themselves, then your child will be proud to wear glasses that they have picked out on their own. The look of the frames should feel and look right and no two children are the same size when it comes to frames.

Tamarind Optical Services Supply a Full Range of Glasses for Children!

In fact, kids 9 years old are eligible for FREE coverage. Call us for more info and to schedule eye exams in Sydney or Glace Bay! We have locations in Glace Bay & Sydney River! Tamarind Optical has a wide selection of stylish eye wear so book your child with Tamarind Optical and let’s make sure they have the right glasses for them!

Let’s make sure they’re seeing clearly. So start by booking an eye exam with Tamarind Optical today - 902-564-5332 in Sydney River and 902-842-3333 in Glace Bay