Screen Time and Your Family’s Eye Health: Finding the Right Balance

In today’s digital age, screens are a big part of our daily lives. From work to entertainment and education, screens have become indispensable. However, as convenient as they are, excessive screen time can lead to various health concerns, particularly for our eyes. At VisionPal, we care about your family’s eye health and want to share some practical tips on managing screen use for you and your loved ones.

Why is Screen Time a Concern?

Research from the Ministry of Health (Singapore) highlights that prolonged screen exposure can:

• Contribute to digital eye strain and myopia (short-sightedness) in children and adults.
• Affect brain development and attention spans, especially in younger children.
• Disrupt sleep patterns and reduce the time spent on other healthy activities like physical play and face-to-face interactions.

Guidelines for Healthy Screen Use

Here’s how you can manage screen time effectively for your family, based on their age:

For Toddlers (Under 18 months):

• No screen time is recommended, except for video chatting with family.
• Prioritize interactive activities like reading, playing, and talking.

For Preschoolers (18 months - 6 years):

• Limit screen use to less than 1 hour daily.
• Choose educational and age-appropriate content and watch it together to engage in discussions.
• Avoid screens during meals and one hour before bedtime to promote better eating habits and sleep.

For Children (7 - 12 years):

• Keep recreational screen use under 2 hours a day, excluding schoolwork.
• Set up a family screen-use plan to balance screen time with other activities like exercise and bonding.
• Monitor content for age-appropriateness and have open conversations about online safety.

Photo: LIANHE ZAOBAO

How Does Screen Use Impact Eye Health?

Prolonged screen time can cause:

• Digital Eye Strain: Symptoms like dry eyes, blurry vision, and headaches from staring at screens for too long.
• Increased Risk of Myopia: Studies show that children who spend more time on screens and less time outdoors are more likely to develop myopia.
• Poor Sleep Quality: Blue light from screens can disrupt your family’s sleep cycle.

Healthy Habits to Protect Your Eyes

1. Follow the 20-20-20 Rule: For every 20 minutes of screen time, take a 20-second break to look at something 20 feet away.
2. Ensure Proper Lighting: Avoid using screens in dimly lit rooms to reduce eye strain.
3. Encourage Outdoor Play: Time outdoors helps reduce the risk of myopia in children.
4. Use Screen Filters: Blue light filters can protect your eyes from harmful light.
5. Schedule Regular Eye Screenings: Early detection is key to preventing and managing vision problems.

Setting the Example

Children often mimic their parents’ habits. By being mindful of your screen use and taking regular breaks, you can encourage your children to adopt healthier habits.

VisionPal’s Role in Your Family’s Eye Health

At VisionPal, we offer comprehensive eye screenings to help you and your family maintain optimal eye health. Our screenings are tailored for all age groups and include tests for digital eye strain and myopia. Book your family’s eye screening today and take the first step toward healthier vision!