Zeiss study finds that parents are concerned regarding screen time’s impact on children’s eye health
A majority of the 1000 survey participants stated that they are concerned about the eye health of their children, particularly those between 4 and 9 years old.
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For the start of Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month, Zeiss Vision Care has released results from a survey that garnered data regarding concerns, behaviors, and spending habits to parents’ maintaining and protecting their children’s long-term eye health.1 The survey was conducted on a nationwide scale, with its 1000 participants being parents with children aged 18 and under, according to a news release.
“The latest research shows that children are living much different lives today than they were even just two decades ago, and they need age-appropriate eyecare solutions to account for time spent outdoors playing, in the classroom learning, and using digital screens for school or fun,” said Jens Boy, president of ZEISS Vision Care North America, in the release.
The survey found that many parents (88%) are concerned about the eye health of their children. As many as 82% are also at least somewhat concerned about digital eye strain that their children may be experiencing as a result of more screen time. Additionally, 95% of parents of younger children (between 4 and 9 years old) are also concerned about the impacts of screen time.1
A majority of parents also demonstrated their understanding of the importance of eye protection. Of the participants surveyed, 60% believe that children need age-specific glasses, as well as 57% stating that they would spend money on their child’s eye health even if there were no immediate results on vision, including clarity. Parents also cited that they are already utilizing eye protection for their children, with 41% using screentime breaks and 58% using glasses, including blue light, prescription, sun/UV or photochromatic/transition lenses. Additionally, 48% of parents stated that their children wear glasses while using electronics, with 39% wearing them outside and 37% wearing them at school.1
However, the survey still demonstrated opportunities for parents to further protect their children’s eye health. Although 63% of parents believe their children need to get their eyes checked once a year, only 47% stated that their children have taken annual visits to their eye care provider. Visits to primary care physicians and the dentist were much more frequent, at 78% and 71% respectively. Additionally, although about half of parents are at least very concerned about digital eye strain when their children spend 3 or more hours on screens every day, about a third of parents admit to not getting their children’s eyes examined every year.1
Boy noted in the article that Zeiss’s SmartLife Young lenses for children ages 6 to 19 could help address some of these shortfalls in children’s eye protection. “ZEISS SmartLife Young lenses address age-specific needs, such as anatomical and pupil size changes, and provide wider fields of clear vision to help children see better and protect their long-term eye health,” he said in the release.
Reference:
New Zeiss study finds majority of parents worry about impact of screen time on their children’s eye health, value protective behaviors to maintain eyesight. News release. Business Wire. August 1, 2024. Accessed August 1, 2024. https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240801581701/en/New-ZEISS-Study-Finds-Majority-of-Parents-Worry-About-Impact-of-Screen-Time-on-Their-Children%E2%80%99s-Eye-Health-Value-Protective-Behaviors-to-Maintain-Eyesight
