What Are the Signs of Child Eye Strain, and How Can It Be Treated?

Kids today spend more time on digital screens than ever before - whether it’s for schoolwork, learning apps, or entertainment during downtime. While screens have become a big part of everyday life, they can also contribute to a growing concern among parents: eye strain. At Foresight Eye Care, our eye doctors in Chappaqua, NY provide comprehensive pediatric eye care to help protect children’s vision as they grow. Recognizing the signs of eye strain early is essential to preventing long-term complications.

Common Signs of Eye Strain in Children

Children aren’t always able to communicate that something feels off with their vision, so parents may need to watch for subtle signs. Some of the most common symptoms include:

•           Frequent eye rubbing

•           Squinting or closing one eye when viewing screens or reading

•           Complaints of headaches, especially after school or screen time

•           Blurry vision or difficulty focusing

•           Holding books, tablets, or phones too close

•           Difficulty concentrating on homework

•           Increased irritability or fatigue after near-work tasks

•           Taking frequent breaks from reading or screen activities

If you’ve noticed any of these behaviors, it may be time to schedule an eye exam to determine whether eye strain, vision problems, or another condition is the cause.

Why Does Eye Strain Happen in Kids?

Children’s eyes are still developing, which makes them more sensitive to prolonged near-focus activities like screen use or reading. Contributing factors can include:

•           Too much screen time without breaks

•           Poor posture or lighting when reading

•           Uncorrected refractive errors like nearsightedness or farsightedness

•           Blue light exposure from digital devices

•           Lack of outdoor time, which plays an important role in visual development

Over time, digital eye strain may worsen existing vision issues or contribute to myopia progression.

Treatment Options for Pediatric Eye Strain

A thorough eye exam is the first step in creating an effective treatment plan. At Foresight Eye Care, our pediatric eye care in Chappaqua includes solutions such as:

•           Updated Prescription Eyewear: Correcting refractive errors helps reduce visual effort during school and screen activities.

•           Blue Light–Filtering Lenses: Special lens coatings can help reduce eye fatigue from digital screens.

•           Screen Time Guidelines: Following the 20-20-20 rule (every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds) gives the eyes time to relax.

•           Ergonomic Adjustments: Proper posture, lighting, and screen positioning can significantly reduce eye strain during homework and device use.

•           Increased Outdoor Activity: Spending time outside allows the eyes to focus at different distances and may help slow myopia progression.

Protect Your Child’s Vision at Foresight Eye Care

Early detection is crucial when it comes to children’s eye health. Even if your child doesn’t report vision problems, they may still be struggling to see clearly. Routine comprehensive exams allow our eye doctors to diagnose issues early, support learning development, and prevent small concerns from turning into bigger ones.
 

If you think your child may be dealing with eye strain, schedule a pediatric eye exam at Foresight Eye Care and give their eyes the care they need to succeed. Visit our office in Chappaqua, New York, or call (914) 238-3030 to book an appointment today.