Dry Eyes Aren’t Just for Grown-Ups
When we think of dry eye, we usually picture tired office workers staring at spreadsheets. But here’s the surprise, pediatric dry eye symptoms are on the rise, and yes, even your tech-savvy 8-year-old can feel the burn (literally).
At Navigation Eye Care, we’ve seen it firsthand: kids rubbing their eyes, blinking excessively, or complaining about blurry vision after a day filled with homework, video games, and screen time. If your child is experiencing dry, itchy, or watery eyes, it’s not “just allergies.” It might be something more and we’re here to help you uncover the cause and guide your family toward relief.
Causes of Dry Eye in Kids
Kids may not be typing up reports in a cubicle, but they face other triggers that can dry out those young eyes.
Here are some common culprits:
- Screen overload: Tablets, phones, video games, online learning—need we say more?
- Environmental factors: Dry air from heaters, fans, or seasonal allergies.
- Poor blinking habits: Kids tend to blink less when they’re focused, especially on screens.
- Contact lens use: Older kids or teens wearing lenses for long hours may develop dry eye symptoms.
Unlike adults, children may not know how to describe their discomfort. They might just say, “My eyes feel weird,” or “I don’t want to read right now.” That’s why it’s important for parents to be on the lookout for subtle signs and bring concerns to a trusted Eye Doctor.
Teen Screen Habits and Eye Strain
Let’s be real. Teens are basically screen ninjas. Between TikTok scrolling, Snap streaks, and virtual learning, their eyes are constantly “on.” This digital lifestyle can take a toll on tear production and blinking patterns, making teens especially vulnerable to pediatric dry eye symptoms.
A few warning signs to watch for in your teen:
- Complaints of tired eyes
- Frequent rubbing or squinting
- Red or watery eyes
- Needing frequent breaks from reading or homework
Creating tech boundaries is tough (we’ve been there), but small changes like the 20-20-20 rule (look 20 feet away every 20 minutes for 20 seconds) can make a big difference. At Navigation Eye Care, we help families build realistic screen strategies that won’t cause teen eye-rolls.
Family Prevention Plans That Work
Preventing dry eye isn’t about locking away all screens (though it’s tempting). It’s about building healthy habits as a family. That’s where we come in.
Here’s your dry-eye prevention starter plan:
- Encourage blinking breaks during screen time.
- Use a humidifier in dry rooms, especially during winter.
- Stay hydrated—yes, even juice-loving kids need water.
- Wear protective glasses during windy or outdoor play.
- Schedule regular eye exams to catch issues early.
We love helping families put together personalized eye care routines. Whether your child wears glasses or not, a visit to Navigation Eye Care can uncover early signs of dry eye and keep little eyes comfortable and healthy.
We’re Here to Help Your Family See Clearly
At Navigation Eye Care in Chesapeake, we’re more than your local Eye Doctor, we’re your partner in protecting every family member’s vision. If you’ve noticed signs of discomfort or dryness in your child’s eyes, don’t wait to bring it up.
We specialize in treating pediatric dry eye symptoms with compassion, care, and solutions that fit your busy life. And yes we’ll even help your teen take a break from their phone. Maybe.
Call us or schedule an appointment online today. Let’s protect those little eyes with big care.