Eye strain in children is not usually a cause for concern but the symptoms and problems from eye strain should be considered before dismissing a complaint. The American Optometric Association notes that 25 percent of school-age children need glasses or contact lenses and problems often go undetected. Eye strain usually gets worse if left untreated.
Symptoms
Children often describe eye strain as "tired eyes," or you may notice your child rubbing his eyes or squinting. Symptoms of eye strain include headaches, discomfort, complaints of blurry or double vision, watery or dry eyes, and photophobia, or sensitivity to light.
Need for Glasses
Kids accept blurry vision as normal because they do not know any different. Uncorrected vision conditions cause eye strain. Common vision problems include nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism and presbyopia.
Nearsightedness, or myopia, is a common vision condition that makes things in the distance appear fuzzy. Hyperopia, or farsightedness, is just the opposite: things up close are not clear. Astigmatism is often combined with near or farsightedness. Some children need to wear bifocals to help them read, a condition called presbyopia, which is different than just being farsighted. Any of these conditions left untreated causes eye strain in children.
Computers and Video Games
Children often get used to vision problems instead of trying to correct them or complain about them. Computer use and video games are daily activities for most children. Computer Vision Syndrome, or CVS, is a common cause of eye strain. Kids use computers for hours on end and do not consider that their eyes are getting tired. The Cleveland Clinic notes that as many as 93 percent of computer users experience eye strain and that symptoms increase with frequent use. It helps to schedule short "vision breaks" every hour during extended computer use to alleviate eye strain in children.
Light Conditions and Eye Strain
Children who are outside frequently are exposed to bright light, which causes eye strain. Good quality sunglasses helps reduce glare and eye strain and as a bonus, protects your child's eyes from ultraviolet radiation. UV filters on sunglasses work like sunscreen does on the skin, helping protect eyes from overexposure to radiation. Working or reading in too dim a light also causes eye strain. Adjust the light to a comfortable level.
Vision Exams for Children
The AOA recommends annual eye examinations for children who wear glasses or contact lenses or have vision issues. Some doctors suggest checking vision every two years if children do not have any problems; however, check with your child's doctor if you have any vision concerns about eye strain.
