Overuse of digital devices can lead to eye strains

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- The start of school is when many students realize something has changed about their vision. One thing that causes a lot of eye strain over the summer is too much screen time. A new survey finds many parents don't realize how much their kids are on their devices.

Diego Rugerio, 10, had a pretty quiet summer. That's because his brother says Diego spent a lot of time using his iPad. Now, Diego's at the optometrist because his eyes have become really sensitive.

"The cold air hurts my eyes when I'm next to the air conditioner," Diego said.

Optometrist Hilary Hawthorne says she's seeing more and more kids suffering with digital eye strain. She says back-to-school eye exams are a good way to remind kids not to hurt eyes by spending too much time in front of a screen.

"They can have redness, they can have tearing of the eyes, blurred vision, and a lack of focus from spending a long period of time using a device at a certain distance," Hawthorne said.

Kids use digital devices more than parents think. The American Optometric Association surveyed 10 to 17 year olds. They found 83 percent said they're on their screens three hours a day. In that same survey, only 40 percent of parents reported kids use their devices that long.

"We're missing the point that a lot of children are using the devices much more than parents believe," Hawthorne said.

She recommends parents use the 20-20-20 rule.

"Every 20 minutes, take a visual break. Look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds," Hawthorne said.

Not only tablets, but smartphones and other portable gaming devices should always be kept at arm's length. Also turn down the brightness and don't use screens in the dark.

"It is not a good idea to use a device that is bringing bright light towards you without the surrounding light balancing it better," Hawthorne said.

Diego says with school starting he plans to dramatically cut down his screen use. And when he does play he'll make sure to give his eyes the proper rest.

Optometrists say the damage from digital eye strain is usually temporary and can be corrected with proper usage and rest. She says young eyes can change during the summer so it's important to get your kids' vision checked annually.