As tablets and laptops become part of daily life for kids, more parents in Toronto are noticing the same concerns — squinting, eye rubbing, headaches, and kids who just don’t want to look at their screens anymore. Digital eye strain is real, and it’s impacting more than just attention spans.
Understanding Digital Eye Strain in Kids
Digital eye strain — sometimes called computer vision syndrome — happens when a child’s eyes become tired from too much time focusing up close on a screen. Unlike adults, kids don’t always recognise that something feels off, and their discomfort may show up in unexpected ways.
Common signs of digital eye strain in children include:
- Frequent squinting or blinking
- Rubbing the eyes, especially during screen time
- Headaches (especially behind the eyes or at the temples)
- Difficulty concentrating or seeming “fidgety” during reading or online learning
- Complaints of blurry or double vision
These symptoms are becoming more common in school-aged children — not just because of screen time, but because of how long and how closely kids stare at those screens. Extended near work puts constant pressure on the eyes' focusing system, which can cause visual fatigue and strain even in kids with otherwise healthy vision.
How Screen Time Can Worsen or Trigger Myopia
There’s another concern many parents don’t realise: extended screen use doesn’t just cause short-term discomfort — it can contribute to myopia (nearsightedness), especially in younger children.
Studies show that kids who spend long hours doing near work — like reading on a tablet or scrolling on a phone — are more likely to develop early-onset myopia. Once myopia starts, it often progresses with age. And higher levels of myopia can increase the long-term risk of serious eye conditions, including retinal detachment and glaucoma.
At Junction Optometrists, we’ve seen a sharp rise in myopia in children across Toronto, especially since online learning became a daily norm. That’s why we emphasise both prevention and early intervention during every children’s eye exam at our clinic.
Tools & Solutions for Digital Wellness
The good news? There are simple habits and tools that can make a big difference for your child’s visual comfort — even if screen time is a non-negotiable part of their school and social life.
One of the most effective strategies we recommend at Junction Optometrists is the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, have your child look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This gives their eyes a break from close-up focus and helps reduce digital eye strain over time.
We also offer specialty lenses designed just for digital use:
- Blue light glasses for kids help reduce glare and exposure to blue wavelengths that can disrupt focus and sleep cycles.
- Anti-fatigue lenses provide slight magnification in the lower part of the lens to reduce strain during reading and screen use — a great option for kids who spend long hours on homework or online learning.
When you visit us for a children’s eye exam in Toronto, our optometrists will assess your child’s screen habits, vision needs, and any symptoms they’ve been experiencing. We’ll also talk through lifestyle adjustments that can help support healthier digital habits at home.
Myopia Management Options at Junction Optometrists
If your child has already been diagnosed with myopia, or if they’re showing early signs of progression, Junction Optometrists offers a range of evidence-based treatment options to help manage it.
We provide:
- Ortho-K lenses (orthokeratology) — specialty contact lenses worn overnight to gently reshape the cornea and correct vision during the day.
- MiSight lenses — soft daily disposable contact lenses clinically proven to slow the progression of myopia in children.
- Custom myopia control lenses — tailored for your child’s prescription, lifestyle, and visual development needs.
Our team specialises in myopia control in Toronto, and we work closely with parents to create long-term treatment plans. We monitor your child’s eye health at each visit, tracking any changes in prescription and adjusting their care as needed.
Let’s Support Healthier Vision for Toronto Kids
Screen time isn’t going away — but with the right tools, support, and routine care, we can protect your child’s vision and comfort both now and into the future. Located right in the heart of Toronto, Junction Optometrists is proud to be your trusted partner in paediatric eye care, myopia control, and digital eye health.
Wondering if screen time is affecting your child’s vision? Book a kids’ eye exam today. Or ask us about myopia control lenses and screen-time tips to help reduce strain.