Louise Sclafani, OD, FAAO, FSLS, understands that digital devices and screen time aren’t going anywhere. As with posts one and two, she is still concerned with the effects that both kids and adults alike are experiencing due to hours spent staring at screens. That’s why she recommends EyePromise^® Screen Shield™ Teen to both parents and practitioners who want to naturally defend children’s eyes from the effects of screen time.

How Do You Plan to Adapt Your Daily Practice to Accommodate Increasing Screen Time?

I plan on incorporating screen time questions into our patient history questions. This alerts me when patients are spending a lot of time on their screens, and I think as the parent or patient answers the questions, they are going to wonder “Why are they asking me this?” We consider indicators of screen time-related issues as well.

What Are Some Key Indicators You’ll Ask About?

Kids may not notice their eyes becoming tired, but parents will often notice this change first. One indicator for me is tired eyes. Kids don’t associate tired eyes with screens, but if you can ask a parent “Do your kid’s eyes ever look tired?”, they will see the connection. A lot of our kids have subtle headaches, too, so I don’t let any headaches go by without question or concern or a work up.

Do You Plan on Asking Kids These Questions or Just the Parents?

It’s important to ask parents these things, but as kids reach a certain age, having them take control of their own health is key. This screen time epidemic continues into college when kids will mostly be on their own/unsupervised, so I try to include the kids in the conversation.

What Should Eye Care Professionals’ Takeaway Be?

Educating young doctors is also extremely important. I teach at Illinois College of Optometry, and I am training students to know that these screen time questions must be part of their practice. We talk about vitamin therapy for dry eye or macular degeneration, and screen time supplements need to become part of their patient protocols.

Here's Why EyePromise Screen Shield Teen Should Be Part of Your Protocol

With over 30 years of research dedicated to eye health and nutrition, several studies support the efficacy of the product. Matching the eye’s natural 2:1 ratio of zeaxanthin to lutein, EyePromise Screen Shield Teen adds an extra layer of protection for young eyes whose macular pigment, the eye’s natural protection, is not fully developed. EyePromise Screen Shield Teen helps naturally protect children's eyes from the effects of screen time like tired eyes, eye strain, and headaches. tart the progressive change in your practice by incorporating EyePromise Screen Shield Teen.