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Parents underestimate children’s digital device use
According to an American Optometric Association survey, parents underestimate the time their children spend on digital devices.
Eye care practitioners are concerned that this disparity may lead to parents overlooking the warning signs and symptoms of vision problems due to technology use, such as digital eye strain, the press release stated.
An overwhelming 80% of children who were surveyed by the AOA report burning, itching or tired eyes after using digital devices for long periods.
Eighty-three percent of children between 10 and 17 years old said they use an electronic device for 3 or more hours each day. In a separate survey of parents, only 40% said their children use an electronic device for the same amount of time.
The AOA recommends that every child have a comprehensive eye exam soon after 6 months of age and before age 3 and every year thereafter.