As summer routines take over, many Fullerton families may notice a shift in how their kids use their eyes. With more free time\u00a0during the summer months,\u00a0children often spend longer\u00a0periods\u00a0on screens\u00a0while\u00a0also\u00a0spending more time outdoors in the sun\u2014both of which can\u00a0affect\u00a0eye health.\u00a0<\/p>\n
As an eye doctor serving families here in Fullerton,\u00a0this time of year\u00a0I\u00a0often\u00a0hear\u00a0questions\u00a0from parents\u00a0about screen time and sun exposure, and the steps they can take to protect their child\u2019s eyes.<\/p>\n
Many kids don\u2019t complain directly about vision problems. They may assume what they\u2019re experiencing is normal or simply don\u2019t know how to articulate their symptoms.\u00a0Fortunately,\u00a0there are simple steps parents can take to help protect their child\u2019s eyes and catch vision issues early,\u00a0especially during the summer months.<\/p>\n
Screen Time and\u00a0Digital\u00a0Eye Strain<\/p>\n
One of the\u00a0more\u00a0common issues I see this time of year, as routines shift, is digital eye strain.\u00a0Digital eye strain has become much more common over the last several years, especially among children and teenagers who spend hours each day on devices for school, entertainment, and social activities.<\/p>\n
One thing I often tell families is that our eyes can become strained when we spend hours at a time on screens without regular breaks.<\/p>\n
The good news is that there are small habits that can make a big difference. In addition to encouraging kids to take regular breaks from screens, spending\u00a0more time outdoors and avoiding\u00a0using devices nonstop for long stretches can help reduce\u00a0digital\u00a0eye strain and discomfort.<\/p>\n
Signs Parents Should Watch For<\/p>\n
Some common signs parents may notice include:\u00a0<\/p>\n
Squinting
\nTired eyes
\nRubbing their eyes often
\nSitting close to screens\u00a0
\nFrequent headaches
\nBlurry vision\u00a0
\nTrouble focusing after long periods looking at screens
\nAvoiding reading<\/p>\n
Parents are sometimes surprised to learn that children do not always realize their vision has changed. That is one reason regular eye exams are so important, even if a child is not actively complaining about their eyesight.<\/p>\n
During an annual eye exam, your eye doctor\u00a0can help identify vision changes early and make sure children are\u00a0seeing clearly\u00a0both inside and outside the classroom.<\/p>\n
Don\u2019t Forget About UV Protection<\/p>\n
Summer is also a good reminder that eyes need protection from the sun just like skin does. Whether families are spending time outdoors at places like Hillcrest Park\u00a0or simply spending more time outside during summer break,\u00a0wearing\u00a0sunglasses with proper UV protection can help protect long-term eye health.\u00a0I recommend looking for sunglasses that are clearly labeled with UV400 or 100% UV protection.<\/p>\n
\u00a0A hat and time in the shade during peak afternoon sun can help too.<\/p>\n
\u00a0Healthy Vision Habits Matter<\/p>\n
One of the biggest things I encourage families to focus on is balance. Summer should include\u00a0time outdoors, movement, rest, and breaks from screens whenever possible.<\/p>\n
\u00a0Simple habits now can help support healthy vision for years to come.<\/p>\n
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<\/a>Dr. Alice\u00a0Pang\u00a0is an optometrist with Visionworks serving the Fullerton community. Families looking for additional information about eye health and annual eye exams can visit\u00a0http:\/\/www.Visionworks.com<\/a>. Visionworks is\u00a0located at 227 E Orangefair Mall, Fullerton, (657) 377-3161.\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n
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