Can Too Much Screen Time Harm My Child’s Eyes? | Ringwood North & Mornington Optometrist

In today’s digital world, screens are part of everyday life. From school laptops and tablets to gaming consoles and smartphones, children are spending more time than ever looking at digital devices. As parents, it’s natural to ask: Can too much screen time harm my child’s eyes?

At A Plus Optometry in Ringwood North and Mornington, we regularly see children experiencing screen-related vision concerns. The good news? With the right guidance and early care, we can protect and support your child’s eye health for the future.

How Does Screen Time Affect Children’s Eyes?

Digital screens themselves do not permanently damage the eyes. However, excessive screen time can lead to several vision and eye health concerns.

1. Digital Eye Strain

When children focus on screens for extended periods, they blink less. Reduced blinking leads to dry, irritated eyes, headaches, blurred vision and tired eyes.

These symptoms can impact learning, behaviour and confidence in the classroom.

2. Increased Risk of Myopia (Short-Sightedness)

One of the biggest concerns linked to excessive screen use is the rise in myopia. Research shows that prolonged near work (such as reading and device use) combined with reduced outdoor time increases the risk of short-sightedness in children.

Myopia is more than just needing glasses. Higher levels of myopia are associated with greater long-term risks of eye diseases later in life.

Early detection and management are critical. Our focus on Children Eye Health and Early Prevention ensures we monitor and guide your child’s visual development proactively, not reactively. If we detect early signs of short-sightedness, we may recommend structured myopia control treatment in Ringwood North or Mornington.

3. Reduced Outdoor Time

Children who spend more time indoors on screens often spend less time outside. Natural daylight exposure plays an important role in healthy eye development. Studies suggest that at least 2 hours of outdoor time per day can significantly reduce the risk of developing myopia.

Screens aren’t the only issue – it’s the balance that matters.

Signs that Screen Time May Be Affecting Your Child

Keep an eye out for these signs:

Children often don’t realise their vision isn’t clear because they assume everyone sees the same way they do. It is therefore essential that parents understand children’s eye health and why regular eye examinations are essential.

How Much Screen Time Is Too Much for Children?

There is no single “safe” number of hours, but moderation is key. We see many families from Ringwood North, Warranwood, Croydon, Park Orchards and surrounding Eastern suburbs, as well as Mornington, Mount Eliza and Mount Martha, concerned about the impact of screen time on their child’s eyes. For school-aged children, screens are often unavoidable for education. The goal is not elimination – it’s smarter use.

Simple strategies include:

However, even with good habits, regular professional monitoring remains essential.

Why Early Eye Tests Matter in the Digital Age

Vision develops rapidly in childhood. Undetected vision issues can affect academic performance, coordination, reading development and confidence.

At A Plus Optometry Melbourne, in our practices in Ringwood North and Mornington, we take a proactive approach through our Children Eye Health and Early Prevention services.

We assess the following:

Early detection allows us to implement tailored management strategies to slow progression and protect long-term eye health.

Why Local, Personalised Eye Care Matters

Children are not just small adults. Their eyes are still developing, and they require specialised assessment techniques and age-appropriate communication. Our team of experienced optometrists in our practices in Ringwood North and Mornington understands how to engage children in a relaxed, supportive way while delivering thorough clinical care. We work closely with families to create customised management plans that suit each child’s needs and lifestyle.

Our optometrists have extensive experience in children’s vision assessment and myopia management, and we closely monitor screen-related changes in visual development.

Your child’s eye health today shapes their visual future.

Protect Your Child’s Vision for the Long Term

So, can too much screen time harm your child’s eyes?

While screens themselves do not cause permanent damage, excessive use — especially combined with limited outdoor time — can contribute to eye strain and increase the risk of myopia progression.

The solution isn’t fear. It’s awareness, balance and early prevention.

If your child is spending more time on screens or showing any signs of vision changes, now is the time to act.

Book a comprehensive children’s eye examination at A Plus Optometry Ringwood North or Mornington and give your child the clear, comfortable vision they deserve.