Your kid is staring at a screen right now — maybe a tablet, maybe your phone, maybe that “educational” show on autoplay. And while you’re juggling a million things (work emails, dinner prep, laundry you meant to fold three days ago), it’s easy to tell yourself it’s fine. Everyone’s doing it, right?
But here’s what no one tells you until the eye strain hits: your child’s eyes are still developing. And screen time? It’s not as harmless as it seems.
At St. Clair Eye Clinic, we see it every day — tired eyes, blurred vision, headaches, even trouble sleeping — all tied back to excessive digital exposure. So here’s what you really need to know.
The Not-So-Innocent Glow of the Screen
Kids aren’t just mini adults. Their eyes are still growing, which means they’re more sensitive to the effects of digital devices. Screens emit blue light — the kind that disrupts sleep patterns and increases the risk of digital eye strain. Think dryness, fatigue, and difficulty focusing.
Common symptoms of digital eye strain in kids:
- Squinting while reading or watching
- Rubbing eyes frequently
- Complaining of headaches
- Difficulty focusing on homework or books
And no, it’s not just “growing pains” — these are signs their visual system is overstimulated.
The 20-20-20 Rule (Because “Just One More Episode” Doesn’t Cut It)
We get it — you’re not banning screens entirely (and we’re not asking you to). But habits matter. A simple strategy to reduce digital strain? The 20-20-20 rule:
Every 20 minutes, have your child look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.
It gives their eyes a break and lets those tiny muscles reset.
Screen Time Recommendations (And Yes, They Matter)
Let’s talk limits — not to spark guilt, but to give your child the best shot at healthy development.
According to the Canadian Association of Optometrists:
- Under 2 years old: Avoid screens entirely (video calls are okay).
- 2 to 5 years old: Max of 1 hour per day of high-quality content.
- 6+ years old: Set consistent limits and prioritize sleep, physical activity, and screen-free time.
Need a reason beyond “because I said so”? Kids who stick to these guidelines are more likely to sleep better, focus better, and — surprise — avoid needing glasses at age seven.
Create an Eye-Friendly Environment
Before you toss the tablet out the window, here’s what you can control:
- Lighting: Make sure screens aren’t brighter than the room around them.
- Distance: Keep devices at arm’s length, not nose-to-screen.
- Positioning: Screens should be slightly below eye level to reduce strain.
- Night Mode: Turn it on. Always. Less blue light, better sleep.
Think of it as digital feng shui — a few tweaks, and you’re minimizing long-term damage.
Why Regular Eye Exams Matter More Than Ever
Here’s the truth: symptoms aren’t always obvious. Kids adapt — they might not even realize they’re struggling to see. That’s why routine eye exams in Toronto are non-negotiable.
At St. Clair Eye Clinic, we specialize in children’s eye exams that go beyond the basics. Our exams check for early signs of strain, vision problems, and developmental issues — because catching it early is everything.
It’s Not Just About the Eyes: The Bigger Picture
When your child spends hours glued to a screen, it doesn’t stop at eye strain. Their physical, emotional, and cognitive development takes a hit too — something the Canadian Paediatric Society continues to emphasize in its screen time recommendations.
Here’s what extended screen time can quietly erode:
- Sleep quality – Blue light suppresses melatonin, making it harder for kids to fall and stay asleep.
- Posture and focus – Long hours hunched over tablets can lead to neck pain, poor posture, and reduced attention span.
- Mood and behaviour – Increased screen exposure has been linked to irritability, difficulty regulating emotions, and even anxiety.
And when kids don’t feel their best, it shows — in school, in their play, and in their overall confidence. This is why early prevention matters. Because sometimes what looks like “just screen time” is actually compromising their development.
When Screens Are Inevitable: How to Make Them Safer
We’re not here to pretend screens don’t serve a purpose — education, entertainment, sanity-saving distractions. They’re part of modern life. But even when screen time is necessary, you can still make it safer for your child’s eyes.
Here’s how to make peace with the pixels:
- Invest in blue light protection. Whether it’s screen filters or blue light glasses, these can help reduce the strain — especially during evening hours.
- Choose content wisely. High-contrast, high-quality educational programs with slower pacing are easier on young eyes than fast-cut, overstimulating content.
- Take screen breaks seriously. It’s not just about time limits — it’s about movement. Encourage eye and body breaks, even just to stretch or do a lap around the house.
- Use screen time as a cue. After a show or game, encourage an offline activity: reading, drawing, outdoor play — something that re-engages other senses.
It’s not about perfection. It’s about intention. Every small adjustment you make today supports your child’s vision, health, and overall wellbeing in the long run.
What an Eye Exam Can Reveal (That You Might Miss at Home)
Think your child would tell you if they couldn’t see clearly? Think again. Kids are incredibly adaptive — they’ll memorize letters, tilt their heads, or sit too close to the screen without ever realizing something’s off.
That’s where we come in. Whether it’s a routine check-up or you’re suddenly dealing with something urgent, our emergency eye care services are here when you need answers fast.
At St. Clair Eye Clinic, a pediatric eye exam isn’t just about reading letters on a chart. We evaluate:
- Visual acuity – how clearly your child sees near and far
- Eye teaming and tracking – how well the eyes work together, which impacts reading and learning
- Eye health – checking for signs of strain, irritation, or early issues that could go unnoticed
Sometimes what looks like a behavioural problem or lack of focus is actually a vision issue. And when glasses are needed, we offer a curated selection of frames and lenses for kids that are both durable and kid-approved.
And the best part? It’s quick, painless, and designed with kids in mind — and if you’re wondering what to expect, here are some helpful tips for preparing for your child’s eye exam.
Parenting in the Digital Age: Not Easy, But Not Impossible
There’s no perfect way to parent through screens, but there is a smarter one. Protecting your child’s eye health starts with awareness and ends with action.
Set limits. Create breaks. Book that eye exam.
And if you’re not sure where to start? We’ll help you figure it out.
Book your child’s eye exam with St. Clair Eye Clinic today — because their vision tomorrow depends on the steps you take now.