Screen time and your child's eyes — what's actually true
Dr. Ananya Rao, Pediatrics · 5 min read
Parents ask us about screens more than almost anything else — and the honest answer is more nuanced than the headlines suggest.
The evidence points less to a magic number of minutes and more to balance: outdoor time, sleep, and face-to-face interaction are what protect developing eyes and attention.
A practical rule many families find workable is the 20-20-20 guideline: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
If your child squints, sits very close to screens, or complains of headaches, book a simple vision check — early correction makes a lasting difference.
This article is general information, not medical advice. For guidance specific to you, book a consultation with one of our specialists.