Children today spend more time on digital screens than ever before - between schoolwork, gaming, and social media, their eyes are constantly focusing, refocusing, and adjusting. While adults often notice when their eyes feel tired, children may not always recognize or communicate that something is wrong. Important for parents to understand the signs and symptoms of eye strain in children and what can be done to help.
 

What Causes Eye Strain in Kids?

The most common cause of eye strain in children today is prolonged screen time. Computers, tablets, and smartphones require constant focusing and refocusing, which can exhaust the eye muscles. Other causes include:
 

•          Uncorrected vision problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism.

•          Poor lighting when reading or doing homework.

•          Focusing on close-up tasks for long periods without taking breaks.
 

Children’s eyes are still developing, and excessive visual demand can interfere with comfort and even learning.
 

Common Signs of Eye Strain in Children

Eye strain, also known as asthenopia, occurs when the eyes become fatigued from intense use - such as reading, computer work, or screen time. Look for these common indicators that your child may be struggling with eye strain:
 

•          Frequent headaches - especially around the forehead or temples after reading or screen use.

•          Rubbing their eyes often - a natural response to discomfort or dryness caused by focusing for too long.

•          Squinting or closing one eye - this may help them temporarily focus better but indicates visual fatigue or imbalance.

•          Complaints of blurry or double vision - children might describe words “moving” on the page or having difficulty concentrating.

•          Avoiding visual tasks - they may become frustrated, lose interest in reading, or show declining performance in school.

•          Watery or dry eyes - prolonged focusing can cause either excessive tearing or dryness.

•          Posture changes - leaning too close to books or screens may signal that their eyes are struggling to focus properly.
 

How to Help Relieve and Prevent Eye Strain

There are several steps parents can take to help reduce eye strain in children:
 

•          Follow the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, have your child look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.

•          Adjust screen settings: Increase text size, reduce glare, and ensure screens are about arm’s length away.

•          Encourage outdoor play: Studies show that spending time outdoors can promote healthy vision and reduce the risk of developing myopia (nearsightedness).

•          Schedule regular eye exams: Comprehensive eye exams can detect underlying vision problems that may contribute to strain.
 

When to See an Optometrist

If you notice your child frequently complaining of tired eyes, headaches, or difficulty focusing, it’s time to schedule a pediatric eye exam. At Blink Eyecare and Eyewear, our doctors provide comprehensive exams designed specifically for children. We assess how well their eyes focus, work together, and adjust to different visual demands.
 

Protect Your Child’s Vision and Comfort

Eye strain in children is becoming increasingly common - but with the right awareness and proactive care, it can be managed effectively. Early detection ensures your child’s vision stays healthy, comfortable, and ready for learning and play.
 

Schedule your child’s comprehensive eye exam at Blink Eyecare and Eyewear to help prevent and manage eye strain. Visit our office in Charlotte, North Carolina, or call (704) 817-3800 to book an appointment today.