Vision expert reveals how parents can protect their children’s eyesight this summer amid rise in screens usage
As the school holidays begin and children spend more time at home, eye health experts are encouraging parents to be mindful of the amount of time youngsters spend using digital devices.
Screen time often increases during the summer holidays, whether through gaming, streaming television, social media or using tablets and smartphones, giving children’s eyes fewer opportunities to rest without the structure of the school day encouraging regular breaks.
This comes as new research¹ from the Department of Health and Social Care found that 88% of parents are concerned their children will not be active enough this summer, while fewer than one in five (18%) believe their children will achieve the recommended 60 minutes of physical activity each day.
With more time spent indoors, children are also likely to spend significantly longer focusing on digital screens.
Extended periods of near work can contribute to symptoms of digital eye strain, including tired eyes, headaches, blurred vision, dry eyes and difficulty refocusing. While digital devices have not been shown to cause permanent eye damage, prolonged screen use combined with reduced time outdoors may contribute to the development and progression of myopia (short-sightedness) in susceptible children.
Optical Express cares for patients throughout every stage of life—from childhood eye examinations through to advanced vision correction procedures and cataract surgery in later life. As the UK’s leading premium vision correction provider, Optical Express has performed more than two million ophthalmic surgical procedures and has declined more than one million further procedures where treatment was not considered clinically appropriate under its rigorous patient suitability guidelines.
Since 2005, Optical Express has undertaken more than 60% of all privately funded premium vision correction procedures performed in the UK, including laser eye surgery, phakic intraocular lens implantation, refractive lens replacement and private cataract surgery. The company has also earned more than 15,000 five-star Trustpilot reviews, more than any other provider in the sector, reflecting its commitment to outstanding clinical outcomes and patient experience.
Dr Stephen Hannan, Group Clinical Services Director at Optical Express, said: “At Optical Express, we have the privilege of caring for patients throughout every stage of life—from a child’s first eye examination to helping older adults maintain their independence through advanced cataract surgery and vision correction. Protecting vision isn’t something that starts in adulthood; it begins in childhood, and developing healthy visual habits early can provide lifelong benefits.
“Summer holidays naturally mean children spend more time using phones, tablets, computers and games consoles. Technology plays an important role in education and entertainment, but it’s equally important that children spend time outdoors, take regular breaks from close-up tasks and avoid prolonged periods of uninterrupted screen use. These simple habits can help reduce digital eye strain and support healthy visual development.
“Parents are often the first to notice when something isn’t quite right with their child’s vision. Frequent eye rubbing, headaches, squinting, sitting unusually close to screens or the television, losing their place when reading, or struggling to see distant objects may all be signs that an eye examination is needed.
“Routine eye examinations remain one of the most effective ways to identify vision problems early, often before a child realises anything is wrong. Early detection and appropriate management can make a significant difference—not only to visual development but also to confidence, educational attainment and overall quality of life.”
Optical Express recommends parents encourage children to:
Follow the 20-20-20 rule by looking approximately 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds every 20 minutes of screen use.
Spend at least two hours outdoors each day where practical, as increasing evidence suggests outdoor time may help reduce the risk of developing myopia.
Use digital devices in well-lit environments and maintain an appropriate viewing distance.
Avoid prolonged periods of uninterrupted screen use.
Attend regular eye examinations, even if there are no obvious concerns about their vision.
To book an eye examination or learn more about children’s eye health, visit www.opticalexpress.co.uk.
