Generation Alpha's Vision Issues

In this months podcast we discussed the very unique Generation Alpha. Now, let's turn our gaze and discuss vision issues that could arise with their close proximity to media in all forms.

Have you recently noticed your child squinting to see something in the distance? Do they regularly rub their eyes or complain that their eyes hurt? Are they scooting closer to the TV, especially when a show is particularly interesting to them? 

Hate to say it, but your kid may be nearsighted. People with nearsightedness, called myopia, have no problem seeing closeby items clearly, but faraway objects seem blurry to them. If any of the above situations accurately describe your child, well…time to take a closer look, ha ha! 

Is Generation Alpha, those born between 2010 and 2025, more at risk of having vision issues than previous age groups? It’s possible. Probable even. Generation Alpha is the first demographic cohort born entirely in the 21st century, and thus, they have lived the whole of their young lives in a world where the internet, tablets, smartphones, streaming services, and social media are likely fundamental to the way they connect with others, how they interact with their surrounding environment, and their educational development. The effects can be significant. 

Genetics, of course, play a part in your child’s eye health. If you are nearsighted, chances are higher your kid will experience similar issues. But we can’t ignore the role exposure to digital media plays in how early myopia starts and how severe it can get, regardless of hereditary vision problems. 

With the qualifier that all children have different needs depending on their individual circumstances, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends no screen time for kids under 2 and no more than an hour for kids 2 to 5. [It’s noteworthy that they make an exception for video calls with friends and family. They also make space for educationally-focused content monitored by a caregiver.] For school-age kids, due to the role electronic devices may play in educational activities, the recommendation is to limit screen time outside of schoolwork as much as possible. The AAP’s suggestion for teens and adults is 2 hours per day. Seems implausible in this day and age, doesn’t it? 

Rest assured, your child’s Montessori education provides built-in support and can play a meaningful role in minimizing the risk of early vision issues due to screen overexposure. The Montessori classroom curriculum reinforces healthy habits: focus on hands-on learning, encouragement to engage with the natural environment, time dedicated to active play and sensorial experiences –  adherence to basic Montessori principles equates to less time spent in front of a screen. And screen time usually means you are inside. 

Let’s not underestimate the benefits of natural light to your child’s vision! Exposure to sunlight encourages proper vision in a child’s developing eyes because it maintains the correct distance between the retina and the lens. Natural light can also stimulate the release of dopamine, helping to regulate eye growth. 

What about the time your child spends on the computer, in front of the television, or playing on a tablet or a phone? Setting aside the quality of the content your child may be consuming and safety risks when they are online (very important, but a subject for another time), what measures can you take to minimize digital eye strain? 

The American Optometric Association (AOA) recommends the following guidelines: 

• Take Breaks: 

Use the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. After two hours of continuous screen use, take a 15-minute break. 

• Adjust viewing distance and angle: 

Sit at least 13 to 20 inches from a smartphone, tablet, or laptop, and more than 20 inches from a computer monitor. Position your screen 15 to 20 degrees below eye level. 

• Reduce Glare: 

Use a glare filter, adjust screen brightness and contrast, and dim the lights around you. 

• Blink Frequently: 

Blinking helps keep your eyes moist and reduces the risk of dry eyes. 

• Adjust Your Chair:

Sit in a comfortable, padded chair with your feet flat on the floor. Adjust your armrests so they support your wrists. 

• Use Zoom Features: 

Use the zoom feature to see details instead of bringing your device closer to your eyes. 

• Use Eyeglasses: 

If you wear contact lenses, try wearing eyeglasses instead of them when working on a computer for long periods. 

• Regular Eye Exams: 

Regular eye exams can help prevent and manage eye health issues. 

Yes, the guidelines also apply to you, not just your kids. This is your official (eye health specific) reminder that when you practice self-care – deliberately, mindfully, and regularly – you are setting an example for how your children interact with the world! 

Don’t forget to listen to our latest podcast, “Teaching the Alpha Generation”! 

For suggestions on how to manage your child’s screen time, see our blog post “Technology in Montessori Learning”.