Blink Away Computer Eye Strain During Homework Time

Today’s kids (and teens) are spending more time staring into digital screens. A lot more. To be sure, technology can be an important learning tool. But here’s the thing, too much screen time can cause serious eye strain for a child. The symptoms are easy to spot: sore, tired, itchy eyes that are either too dry or too watery and often trigger a headache. You can fight back by helping your child do one thing: Take regular breaks and blink.

Sounds too simple to be true, doesn’t it?

Yet, proper blinking is a serious solution that can help banish eye fatigue. Why? Most of us (kids and adults alike) tend to blink less frequently when we’re staring into a digital screen.

It’s also why the blinking tips below are not only good for kids doing homework but for anyone who spends a lot of time gazing at screens throughout the day. After all, everyone deserves to enjoy better eye comfort.

 1. Use the 20-20-20 Rule.

Look away from your screen for 20 seconds and focus your gaze on something at least 20 feet in the distance. Do this every 20 minutes you’re behind a screen. (If you find it hard to remember, set a timer as a reminder to take a break.)

2. Keep your screen at arm’s length.

For better eye comfort, keep any screen (computer, laptop, tablet, phone) at least 18 to 24 inches from your eyes or about arm’s length. It’s easier to make this a habit with a stationary desktop computer, but it may require reminders for children using laptops or tablets.

3. Rewet your eyes, naturally.

Take regular blinking breaks to help rewet eyes and promote eye comfort. In practical terms, this means blinking 10 times (very slowly) for every 20 minutes of screen time.

That’s it, we told you it was simple!

No need to let eye strain keep your child from making the most out of their homework time. Just remember to take regular breaks and blink.

Nutrition nugget

Did you know the vibrant yellow color in foods like corn and egg yolks is actually a powerful antioxidant called lutein? And, it’s not just in yellow foods. Lutein is also hiding in green vegetables like spinach and kale.

You may be surprised to learn that filling your child’s plate with lutein-rich foods plays a crucial role in keeping your child’s eyes healthy and their vision sharp.

Here’s why.

Once lutein is absorbed into the body, it travels straight to the macula, the part of the eye that helps us see clearly. In the macula, lutein goes to work absorbing harmful high-energy blue light (the same light emitted by typical video display screens). It’s like a nutritional shield for the eyes.

Lutein is so good at protecting the macula that many nutrition experts call it nature’s sunglasses. In this way, lutein acts as a shield that protects your child’s eyes from the strain of too much screen time.  

By serving up a diet rich in lutein, filled with delicious fruits and vegetables, along with encouraging regular blinking breaks, you can help your child banish tired, sore eyes for good.

And, that’s a comforting feeling.

Here’s to eye comfort during homework time and throughout the day!

The EatingFor Team

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