We tend to think of dry eye as an adult problem. Yet children now spend long school days on tablets and Chromebooks, then keep using devices at home. In an interview with Optometry Times, Pamela Theriot, OD, FAAO, described how this screen load can strain the eye surface and the oil-producing meibomian glands in children.
Children describe it differently
One of her key points is that children often lack the words for dryness, grittiness, or eye fatigue. Instead, they may say their eyes are “blurry” or “itchy.” That makes it easy to mistake dry eye for a glasses problem or an allergy. She shared tips for distinguishing digital eye strain, dry eye, nearsightedness, and allergy, which can look similar in kids.
Habits she recommends
- Arm’s-length viewing distance for screens, with the screen positioned for about a 20-degree downward gaze.
- The 20-20-20 rule (every 20 minutes, look about 20 feet away for 20 seconds) to encourage conscious blinking.
- A simple at-home routine before and after school, such as hydration, eyelid and lash cleansing wipes, and warm compresses, so children do not need drops during the school day.
- Clear device-use boundaries at home.
- At least two hours of outdoor time daily to help protect children’s vision.
Why the school-year eye exam matters
Dr. Theriot sees back-to-school season as a chance to update prescriptions, consider second pairs and sports eyewear, and fit contact lenses when appropriate. She also stresses annual eye exams for every child, not only those who already wear glasses. I agree: a child who passes a quick school screening can still have focusing problems, dryness, or early nearsightedness.
When to call us
- Frequent rubbing, squinting, or complaints of blur by the end of the day.
- Red, watery, or light-sensitive eyes.
- Avoiding reading or homework that used to be easy.
For more on why eye exams go beyond the eye chart, see best-lasik-surgeon.com.
Source: Managing pediatric dry eye symptoms during back to school visits (Optometry Times (interview with Pamela Theriot, OD, FAAO), 08/04/2026). This article is an educational summary written by Khanna Vision Institute and is not a substitute for medical advice.