ML Interest Tag: eye-strain

The Best Blue Light Blocking Glasses for Kids (& Their Grownups)

by Karly Wood

Say goodbye to eye strain with the best blue light blocking glasses

Let’s face it, we are all living in a digital world––now more than ever! With iPads becoming part of the classroom, remote learning being more mainstream, and parents working from home, we’re all spending a little more time in front of a screen than usual. Rather than deal with tired eyes, protect them with a pair of blue light blocking glasses. This innovative technology help reduce eye strain, keep headaches at bay and will keep your circadian rhythms in place. The whole family can benefit from a pair (or two). Really, anyone who uses devices throughout the day (read: most of us) will likely notice a difference at the end of the day once they’ve gotten used to wearing them. Keep scrolling to see some of our fave spots to shop for a pair of the must-have best blue light blocking glasses.

Eyeconic

With frames available for adults and kiddos, plus lots of styles and colors, there's something for the whole family. We consider that a major win.

Good to Know: Save 20% with your VSP, Cigna, or Metlife insurance.

Cost: $69 and up

Online: eyeconic.com

Sunglass Hut

Sunglass Hut

Sunglass Hut is notorious for featuring glasses from the most swoon-worthy designers—PRADA, Versace, Ray-Ban, and more. Their blue light offerings aren't any different. They're oh-so-chic, so you'll want to rock them in front of a screen or not!

Good to know: You can also add your prescription to these frames.

Online sunglasshut.com

GUNNAR Optiks

GUNNAR Optiks

To combat the negative effects of blue light and digital eye strain, GUNNAR, the leader in gaming and computer glasses, has launched the GUNNAR Youth category to provide gaming and computer glasses designed specifically for kids and teens. This line offers smudge-resistant clear and amber tinted lenses, and every pair comes with a protective case and carrying clip.

The current lineup includes: Cruz Kids (ages 4-8 and 8-12), Cruz (age 12+) and MOBA Razer Edition, the first pair of gaming glasses designed specifically for teens. Additional styles will be added throughout the year to give kids and teens more choice as they continue to embrace digital technology both at home and school. 

Good to know: GUNNAR offers their youth lines for both prescription and non-prescription frames.

Online: gunnar.com

LOOK OPTIC

LOOK OPTIC

LOOK OPTIC sells super comfy blue light glasses and their newly released children's line means the whole family can be outfitted in this protective style. The unisex frames are available in two styles, the Abbey and Sullivan. Choose from Navy, Tortoise, Clear and Grey Camo.

Good to Know: LOOK Optic offers free shipping and returns, an 90-day risk free trial and will donate $10 to charity: water for every pair of kids glasses purchased.

Cost: $48

Online: lookoptic.com

Knockaround

Knockaround

Knockaround is now carrying blue light blocking glasses for littles! The matte black frames are great for kids ages one to five, come with clear blue light blocking lenses, offer UV400 protection, are FDA approved and come with a protective pouch.

Good to Know: Knockaround also carries a huge lineup of colorful sunglasses just for kids.

Cost: $15 & up.

Online: knockaround.com

Barner Brand

Barner Brand

Barner Brands has the entire family covered with options for men, women and kids. Their lenses have a special coating that block 40% of the Blue Light on the 430nm-450nm spectrum, and 100 perent of the Blue Light at 410nm.

Good to know: You can add prescription lenses for an additional $49

Cost: $66-$136

Online: barnerbrand.com

Swannies

Swanwick Sleep

Swannies uses their own proprietary amber lenses to filter blue light. Science has proven that kids and adults who wear them when using electronics before bed will actually get to sleep faster and sleep longer! Choose from both day and night Swannies in kids, men and women styles, in addition to prescription lens options.

Good to know: Swannies offer two kid sizes for 8 and younger and 9+

Cost: $39+

Online: swanwicksleep.com

Foster Grant

Foster Grant

You might think of sunglasses first when you think of Foster Grant but they also offer a selection of stylish, affordable blue-light blocking glasses specifically designed for kids. The glasses are spring-hinged and come in a soft pouch for protection from scratches when not in use. 

Good to know: You can find stylish adult sizes, too! 

Cost: $20-$30

Online: fostergrant.com

Pixel Eyewear

Pixel Eyewear

Pixel Eyewear's line of computer glasses offers lens technology that filters 50 percent of blue light and up to 95 percent at the strongest wavelengths, without the yellow tint. Each lens contains nanotechnology which reduces smudges, repel waters and dust and comes with an anti-reflective coating.

Good to Know: Pixel's frames are made in tons of unisex styles and are handcrafted.

Cost: $75 for kids, $95 for adults

Online at pixeleyewear.com

Jins

JINS

With over 600 frames to choose from, you're bound to find a pair of glasses for the whole family from JINS. Both prescription and non-prescription options are available, in addition to blue light blocking lenses that are great for gamers, professionals and kids who have screen time.

Good to know: Kids boxed blue light glasses come with JINS SCREEN lenses which block 25 percent of blue light. If parents prefer the JINS SCREEN Pro which block 40 percent of blue light, they can add them to any non-boxed frame for an extra $100.

Cost: $80 for blue light blocking glasses, regular frames that can accommodate Pro lenses start at $80

Online: jins.com

Vint & York

Vint & York

Every pair of Vint & York's glasses come with premium lenses and anti-reflective and scratch coating. The uber stylish frames can be tried on virtually, and when you order a pair with Eyefend blue light lenses, you'll also get a blue light testing kit!

Good to know: At the time of publication of this article, Vint & York did not make a kid-sized option, however the company's Petite collection will make a great fit for tweens and teens, as well as adults. 

Cost: Frames start at $94, Eyefend blue light lenses are an additional $50

Why You'll Love Them:  Free shipping and one year limited warranty!

Online: vintandyork.com

Shady Rays

Shady Rays

In addition to making stylish, affordable sunglasses Shady Rays also make blue-light blocking glasses so attractive you won't want to take them off for your Zoom meetings.

Good to know: At the time of publication of this article Shady Rays did not make a kid-sized option, however, these will make a great fit for tweens and teens as well as adults. 

Cost: Most run around $48 with free shipping

Why You'll Love Them: They are guaranteed for life! 

Online at shadyrays.com 

Real Shades

Real Shades

Real Shades has specialized in ophthalmic quality lenses and unbreakable frames for almost 20 years. Their sunglasses lines range from baby to adult, with tons of styles at a great price, and their blue light blocking glasses are no exception. 

Cost: Toddler, kids and youth frames are all $19.95 (with seven color choices) and adults are $29.95 (with three color choices).

Why You'll Love It: Each pair of Real Shades offers 100% UVA/UVB protection, blocks 65% of blue light and comes with shatterproof polycarbonate lenses with unbreakable frames. Available also in adult sizes. 

Online: realshades.com

Jonas Paul Eyewear

Jonas Paul Eyewear

Jonas Paul Eyewear has aimed, and succeeded, at simplifying the glasses frames buying process for families with young kids. They have seven stylish frame shapes to choose from. 

How It Works: After signing up online, for $1, Jonas Paul Eyewear will send you and your kiddo a try-on kit of seven actual pairs to try out over the next week. Once you've had a chance to try them on and decide, you can order the glasses directly on their website. Upload your kiddos prescription and when you get to the "lens option" stage, be sure to select Blue Light Lenses ($69).

Good to know: You will need your kid's PD (pupillary distance) so try to remember to ask the doctor to write it on your prescription. Jonas Paul Eyewear has also just launched a brand new line of non-prescription blue light glasses for kids and teens for $59.

Tip: Jonas Paul currently offers two sizes for kids; Small, for ages 4-7 and Large for kids 8-12. They also offer teen sizes. 

Cost: Most frames start at just $79 including prescription lenses; prices can vary based on prescription requirements. 

Why You'll Love Them: For every pair of glasses you buy, Jonas Paul Eyewear helps provide funding to international organizations that are working to end preventable blindness around the world. 

Online: jonaspauleyewear.com

Felix Gray

Felix Gray

This popular eyewear designer known for bringing blue-light protecting glasses to grownups just launched a line for kids. As of June 2019, their kid frames are available in both prescription and non-prescription form in three very stylish styles fit for any face shape. 

How It Works: Choose a pair of frames from their selection online and then upload your prescription. They don't currently offer a try-on kit but their detailed fit guide for kids will help you make sure you're getting the right frame for your little's face.  

Cost: Frames start at $95 and come with blue-light blocking technology regardless of prescription strength. 

Why You'll Love Them: Even kids that don't have a prescription can sport these stylish lenses to cut down on damaging blue light and glare from laptops, tablets and other screens they encounter. 

Online: shopelixgray.com

Fitz Frames

Fitz Frames

Download the Fitz app to your phone or tablet and start shopping for the perfect fitting frame, whether you're looking for blue-light blocking glasses or prescription lenses. You can upload an image of your child and "try on" frames virtually. 

Cost: Starting at $95 for prescriptions, plus $30 for blue-light blocking lenses. There is also a subscription option. 

Why You'll Love It: The glasses are all 3-D printed and made to order! 

Visit online at fitzframes.com 

Pair Eyewear

Pair Eyewear

Pair Eyewear is a just-for-kids eyeglass site that offers the unique feature of being able to swap out the tops of the frames to get a new color without having to get a whole second pair. The base frames are available in three colors, but each base frame can be paired with up to ten top frames in different colors and styles.

How It Works:  Make your frame selection and then upload your prescription and order your glasses. Just select "blue light lenses" ($49) when you get to the proper point during checkout!

Cost: Base frames are $60 each (five styles and six colors to choose from), and each base can be fit with different top frames for $25 each (up to ten different colors and styles).

Why You'll Love Them: The kids can get multiple looks without having to have multiple pairs and for every pair purchase, a pair is donated to a kid in need. 

Online: paireyewear.com

Zenni Optical

Zenni Optical

Zenni has been around for a while and are a great go-to for glasses, especially for affordable second-pair glasses for active kids or travelers. The site also offers Blokz Blue Blockers that come in virtually clear, photochromatic, sunglasses and Trivex which offers strong impact resistance––aka, perfect for kids. 

How it works: Upload a photo to their website to do a virtual "try-on." You will also need your pupillary distance and accurate measurements. Once you've added an image, you can shop a variety of frames and use the try-on feature to get an idea of how they will look.  

Cost: Frames can cost as little as under $20, and adding Blokz Blue Blockers starts at just $16.95!

Why You'll Love Them: Because they do grown-up sizes, you can do some sweet mommy-and-me or daddy-and-me styling. They also offer an entire selection of teen styles. 

Online: zennioptical.com

––Amber Guetebier & Karly Wood

 

 

All the products listed are independently & personally selected by our shopping editors.

If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation. Prices and availability reflect the time of publication.

All images courtesy of retailers.

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The One Back-to-School Appointment You Should Not Skip This Year

by Katie Lineberger
Partner Content

You’ve picked out a new backpack and finally got them to sit still for that back-to-school haircut. Whether your children are taking on the 2021-22 school year in person, online or both, they’re going to need a comprehensive eye exam. Read on to find out why you shouldn’t skip this critical step in getting your little scholars ready for the new school year.

Did you know that myopia, whose primary symptom is blurred distance vision, is on the rise—in its frequency and its severity?1 As your child grows, their myopia is likely to get worse over time, and can further impact their future eye health. Help is now available. MiSight® 1 day soft contact lenses are specifically designed for myopia control and are FDA approved* to slow myopia progression in children, aged 8-12 at the initiation of treatment!†2

Good Vision Is Vital for Learning

Children who suffer from vision problems will often struggle in school. Sometimes you’ll notice they avoid reading or have trouble seeing the whiteboard or materials the teacher uses. Sometimes, their vision issues can even interfere with their extracurricular activities, like sports. So frustrating—imagine if you couldn’t see what everyone else could and you didn’t even realize it! Diagnosing a child with a vision condition early on is critical to their overall developmental success.

Early Diagnosis Is Key

Myopia, often referred to as nearsightedness, can result in the inability to see objects clearly at a distance, like the whiteboard at school. It often worsens during a child's growing years. But myopia is more than just not being able to see well. It can increase the risk of serious eye health complications and sight-threatening conditions later in life, such as risk for retinal detachment, myopic maculopathy, and glaucoma.3-4

Prescriptions Can Change Year to Year

There’s a reason your child’s eye exam should be a yearly event: Children’s bodies can change quickly and so can their eyesight. Plus, children's eyes often show clinical signs of myopia even before the child experiences blurry vision, making the annual eye exam that much more important for early detection.5 Even children who did not exhibit any signs of decreased vision last year might need a prescription by the following school year. It’s important to compare changes year over year.

Increased Screen Time and Digital Devices Can Lead to Myopia

With the use of more computer screens in school, not to mention the increase in digital learning, children are online and on screens more than ever before. This can cause eye strain and can even affect their eye development, so getting those eyes checked at the beginning of the school year will help set them up for success.6

If You Have Myopia, Your Kids Might, Too

Studies show that children have a 1 in 2 chance of developing myopia if both parents have it; a 1 in 3 chance if one parent has it; and a 1 in 4 chance even if neither parent has myopia.3, 7-8 Other lifestyle factors, such as not enough outdoor time, poor lighting and increased digital screen time can influence myopia development in children.9-11

 

There Are Now More Options for Myopia

Like us, you probably didn't think contact lenses are an option for children. Through rigorous multi-year study, MiSight® 1 day soft contact lenses on average slowed the progression of myopia by 59% in age-appropriate children. §2, 12 And after six years, nearly one in four eyes originally fit with MiSight® 1 day had no progression of myopia.¶13 These stunning results make MiSight® 1 day the breakthrough technology that was the first and only FDA approved* product for myopia control in children, aged 8-12 at the initiation of treatment.†2

Learn more about MiSight® 1 day soft contact lenses and myopia!

Be sure to check this important item off your to-do list and get your child scheduled for an annual, comprehensive eye exam to make sure their school year is off to a brilliant start.

Indications and Important Safety Information.

Rx only
Results may vary.
ATTENTION: Reference the Patient Information Booklet for a complete listing of Indications and Important Safety Information. *Indication: MiSight® 1 day (omafilcon A) so! (hydrophilic) contact lenses for daily wear are indicated for the correction of myopic ametropia and for slowing the progression of myopia in children with non-diseased eyes, who at the initiation of treatment are 8-12 years of age and have refraction of -0.75 to -4.00 diopters(spherical equivalent) with à 0.75 diopters of astigmatism. The lens is to be discarded a!er each removal. Warnings: Problems with contact lenses could result in serious injury to the eye. Do not expose contact lenses to water while wearing them. Under certain circumstances MiSight® lenses optical design can cause reduced image contrast/ghosting/halo/glare in some patients that may cause difficulties with certain visually demanding tasks. Precautions: Daily wear single use only. Patient should always dispose when lenses are removed. No overnight wear. Patients should exercise extra care if performing potentially hazardous activities. Adverse events: Including but not limited to infection/inflammation/ulceration/abrasion of the cornea, other parts of the eye or eyelids. Some of these adverse reactions can cause permanent or temporary loss of vision. If you notice any of the stated in your child, immediately have your child remove the lenses and contact your eye care professional.
†Compared to a single vision 1 day lens over a 3 year period.

§ Children aged 8-12 at the initiation of treatment.
¶ -0.25D or less of change. Lenses fitted between the ages of 8-12 at initiation of treatment.

 

  1. Holden BA, et al. Global Prevalence of Myopia and High Myopia and Temporal Trends from 2000 through 2050. Ophthalmology. 2016;123(5):1036-42.
  2. Chamberlain P, et al. A 3-year randomized clinical trial of MiSight® lenses for myopia control. Optom Vis Sci. 2019;96(8):556–567.
  3. Xu L, Wang Y, Wang S, Wang Y Jonas JB. ‘High Myopia and Glaucoma Susceptibility: The Beijing Eye Study. Ophthalmology, 2007;114(2):216-20.
  4. Flitcroft DI. The complex interactions of retinal, optical, and environmental factors in myopia aetiology Prog Retin Eye Res. 2012;31(6):622-660.
  5. Mutti DO, Hayes JR, Mitchell GL, et al. Refractive error, axial length, and relative peripheral refractive error before and after the onset of myopia. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2007;48(6):2510-2519. doi:10.1167/iovs.06-0562
  6. Lanca C, Saw SM. The association between digital screen time and myopia: A systematic review. Ophthalmic Physiol Opt. 2020 Mar;40(2):216-229. doi: 10.1111/opo.12657. Epub 2020 Jan 13. PMID: 31943280.
  7. Jiang X, Tarczy-Hornoch K, Cotter SA, et al. Association of Parental Myopia With Higher Risk of Myopia Among Multiethnic Children Before School Age [published online ahead of print, 2020 Mar 19]. JAMA Ophthalmol. 2020;138(5):1-9.
  8. Morgan P. Is Myopia Control the Next Contact Lens Revolution? OPTICIAN 2016
  9. Gifford P, Gifford, K L. The Future of Myopia Control Contact Lenses. Opt Vis Sci. 2016;93(4):336-43.
  10. Rose KA, Morgan IG, Ip J, et al. Outdoor Activity Reduces the Prevalence of Myopia in Children. Ophthalmology 2008;115(8):1279-85.
  11. Chee Wai WONG, M.D. M.C.I. Digital Screen Time During COVID-19 Pandemic: Risk for a Further Myopia Boom?. American Journal of Opthalmology. 2020.07.29
  12. Rah MJ, et al. Vision specific quality of life of pediatric contact lens wearers. Optom Vis Sci2010;87(8):560-6. 
  13. Chamberlain P, et al. Myopia Progression in Children wearing Dual-Focus Contact Lenses: 6-year findings. Optom Vis Sci 2020;97(E-abstract):200038
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My Kids Are Social Butterflies & Distance Learning Is a Struggle

by Beth Shea

Our series, Family Tales, is an honest peek into the daily lives of families across the country who are on this crazy ride we call parenthood! From divulging childcare costs to breaking down family finances to managing a virtual school year with multiple kids, we tap into the Red Tricycle army of parents to find out how they’re making it work. This series is a judgment-free zone.

Interested in telling your story? Start by filling out our questionnaire here. All stories are anonymous.

Distance Learning Is Not My Family’s Ideal Choice. Here’s How We’re Making It Work.

 

Name and occupation: Beth Shea, San Diego Editor at Red Tricycle
My partner’s occupation: Sales Manager
City: San Diego, CA
Grades my kids are in: daughter in 8th, son in 4th. They go to the same public school.
School set-up in 2020: Our school district is currently only offering distance learning. When they get the green light to go back to school in-person, the students will be split into attending morning or afternoon sessions to lessen the amount of kids on campus at one time. Many precautions and safety protocols will be in place and my kids will go back to school as soon as they’re allowed to.

The concept of ending summer to head “back to school” was an even harder sell for my kids this year since none of the excitement of seeing classmates and teachers and returning to campus was on the table. Our school district even gave our kids several extra weeks of summer in an effort to drop off the state’s Covid-19 watch list and return to in-person learning. We did in fact drop off the list, but then got word that school would still only be offered virtually for the time being. The yo-yoing and excitement over the prospect of going back and the disappointment of realizing this year there was no “back” in “back to school” has made this an emotionally and mentally draining time for our whole family.

My kids are ready to step out from behind the screens and go back to school. They are both social butterflies and extroverts and they enjoy absolutely nothing about being isolated behind a screen for hours on end every day. They learn better when lessons are taught in person and they thrive in settings where they can interact with their peers. Seeing them at home all this time is akin to watching beautiful birds who have had their wings clipped.

I’m trying to use this distance learning experience to teach my kids some vital life skills: grit, resilience, and how to adapt to change. Thus far, we have been dealing with a pretty steep learning curve of failed log-ins, links that don’t connect and online portals we can’t access… but we’re all trying to keep our cool and our sanity and have a lot of grace for each other and the teachers on the other end trying to orchestrate all of these moving parts.

Morning Routine: Up Early to Prepare for the Day

Luckily we’re all early risers, so we wake up ready to greet the new day and sit around the table for breakfast. My kids start school at 8:50 a.m. so it allows for a nice, leisurely start to the day. I also use this early morning time to make sure my kids’ laptops are charged, that the learning supplies they need are close at hand, and that they can log-on to all of their various applications. We save our passwords and bookmark important pages so all they need to do is click and go.

One issue we had to correct was that our Wifi signal wasn’t reaching far enough to provide a strong enough signal. My daughter’s Zoom calls kept freezing or dropping, which led to panic. We purchased this WiFi booster, programmed it, and now it “boosts” the WiFi signal so it reaches her room and enables a strong signal.

After breakfast we all go to our own corners of the house to log-on for school and work. I fill each of us a large bottle of water in our respective reusable water bottles, and I pop a packet of Ultima Replenisher Electrolyte Hydration Powder in each bottle. San Diego’s hottest temperatures are during the fall months, so I like to make sure we’re all staying hydrated––especially since dehydration leads to fatigue and immune stress. (Hydration is important during winter too!) These handy packets come in a variety of flavors from lemonade to raspberry and they really make it easy to get our necessary water intake alongside 6 electrolytes and trace minerals.

Both of my kids start their day with an hour and a half long Zoom session of STEM learning, followed by a mid-morning snack break. They like the option of staying connected on their Zoom call during snack break to chat and eat alongside their classmates. After snack they log on to their next major chunk of learning for the day, their hour and a half long session of Humanities. Next comes independent work, reading time and PE or music lessons (my son is learning to play the recorder).

Mid-Morning to Lunchtime: We All Head to Our Separate Workspaces, Kind Of

I spent the summer preparing for the inevitable eventuality of distance learning by making sure my kids had functional, comfortable workspaces tailored to their liking. They set up their own desk decor and even have some fidget toys on hand to get them through long Zoom calls: we like these stress balls. I’m currently on the hunt for a cushion for my son’s desk chair because he’s not ergonomically well-positioned at his computer. I have my eye on this chair cushion to provide a boost and comfort.

Another absolute must-have for every member of our family for distance learning and work: CalmOptics blue light blocking glasses. Now that we’re all on screens for a large part of the day, it’s essential that we wear these protective glasses to prevent eye strain, itchy eyes, headaches and even trouble sleeping––which can all be caused by blue light from screens. We love our glasses so much we even wear them to watch TV and my son wears them when playing video games as well. They’re a lifesaver anytime you have to look at a screen. CalmOptics glasses come in multiple sizes for little kids, teens and adults, so everyone’s covered––and the styles and colors are super cute too.

It’s vital that we all have our own separate workspaces because we all work better with no distractions. I work while my kids are in their rooms on their school calls, and they just give a shout if they need me––usually to solve a tech issue.

While I have a home office, I find myself migrating around the house a lot more with my laptop to be closer to my kids as we acclimate to connecting to Zoom calls and sorting out all the various school programs they need to navigate online. They often have questions and need support during these early weeks of this new way of doing school, so it’s easier for me to be nearby. My kids have always been respectful of my need to do my job (I’ve worked from home their whole lives), so they understand that more often than not, their downtime is my work time. When my kids were physically at school, I had large chunks of time alone to complete my work. Nowadays I have been working more late nights when it’s silent and I can work uninterrupted.

Throughout the Day: Staying Organized Saves Our Sanity

As mentioned, my kids’ school days are set up in chunks of time for each class subject. We all prefer tangible paper trails and dry erase boards over digital calendars, so I printed up and posted their schedules on the dining room wall so we can all see at a glance what’s happening when and so we all know when snack and lunch breaks take place. I have a magnetic dry erase board on my fridge that functions as my brain outside my body. Without it, I’d be lost. My daughter also got this weekly dry erase board for her wall to keep her assignments straight.

I also read a study that it’s really good for kids’ organization if they keep track of their assignments and to-do lists in written form, so we’re big fans of paper planners.

Lunchtime & Multiple Meet-Ups At the Kitchen Table to Check-in

The kitchen table is the heart of our home. The kids have daily snack time (from 10:10-10:30 a.m.) and lunch time (from 11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m.), so we all sit together to eat and discuss what’s happening and what needs to be accomplished. I offer them fresh, healthy brain foods to keep them alert and energized. I make sure we have tons of grab and go fruit on hand as well as their favorite snacks and food so this downtime is something they look forward to and enjoy.

It’s the silver lining of home learning that we get to spend time together throughout the day and I’m up to speed on how they’re coming along with their schoolwork and privy to what they’re working on.

After School: Getting Off Screens & Outdoors is Vital to Our Happiness

Whether we’re taking an educational field trip to San Diego Botanic Garden, heading to soccer practice, riding scooters and skateboards or walking the dog, we usually can’t wait to get out of the house and into the great outdoors at the end of the virtual school day. It’s the most important part of our day to break away from screens, get fresh air and clear and reset our minds. School ends for both of my kids between 2-3 p.m. each day, depending on whether they have PE or music or need to finish up classwork that was assigned for the day. Normally, they’re out of in-person school at 2:50 p.m., so this means some days we get more free time (including no commute or long school pick-up lines), which I don’t miss.

None of us are fans of distance learning, but we’re grateful we have supportive teachers and the ability to rise to this unprecedented occasion from home. I know my kids will never again take for granted the ability to walk onto their school campus to see their friends and attend classes in person.

Interested in telling your story? Start by filling out our questionnaire here. All stories are anonymous.

—story and photos by Beth Shea

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Study Finds Screen Fatigue Is Taking a Toll on Work from Home Productivity

by Jennifer Swartvagher

Working from home indefinitely is a significant adjustment for many, especially for parents balancing distance learning and remote work. A new survey found that 75 percent of at-home U.S. workers are experiencing an increased sense of digital overload. Many are not reimbursed for remote work essentials which is an added burden for parents paying for home learning supplies. 

As many navigate a new work style that can feel “always on”, Paper & Packaging – How Life Unfolds surveyed 2,000 new at-home workers to learn more about the impact of their changing work environment on productivity and mental wellness.

The report contributes to research on the long-term impact of remote work and helps companies understand their workers’ evolving needs. It reveals a surprising trend: as workplaces move online, an overwhelming number are experiencing digital overload, turning to analog tools to mitigate the effects of screen fatigue.

zoom

Commenting on the study, productivity and digital detox expert Holland Haiis noted, “When working from home, we tend to use multiple devices simultaneously. This not only causes greater digital fatigue, it increases eye strain, and we tend to experience brain fog much earlier in the day. Turning to analog tools is a natural impulse: switching to paper and pen allows the brain to relax, and have the white space for problem-solving.”

Working from home exacerbates digital overload as messaging, emailing and video conferencing have become the primary means of communication.“Using paper during virtual calls allows your brain to focus on what’s most important. When it’s written on paper, you’re able to stay in the conversation, as opposed to using another device and falling down the technology rabbit hole,” said Holland.

Many are reaching for analog tools to refocus, turning to pencil and paper to give their eyes a break from the screen. Printing documents allows workers to rely less on their devices and gives their brains a much needed break from technology.

With the possibility that working from home may be here to stay, many people are investing money in their home offices. Not all employers are reimbursing their workers for office essentials. The top items that have not been reimbursed are pens, pencils, notebooks and sticky notes. 

On top of coping with digital fatigue and virtual communication overload, distractions are also coming from within the physical work-from-home environment. Over a third of respondents blamed their diminished productivity on distractions created by the people they live with.Many cited distractions such as deliveries or construction noise. Others lost productivity due to not having the correct tools. 

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Featured photo: Gabriel Benois on Unsplash

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How to Keep Your Routine with the Kids at Home

Survey Looks into Challenges Moms are Facing Due to Extended Working from Home

This Study Shows the Stress Working Parents Face Could Actually Cost Them Their Jobs

New Study Reveals How Praise Affects Students’ Behavior

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The One Thing Parents Forget to Check Before School Starts

By Laura Harrison

It’s almost back-to-school time, which means it’s time to start thinking about everything your kids might need to have a successful year in the classroom. By making big trips to buy new clothes and school supplies, it’s easy to forget about one of the most important things your child may need: kids glasses. 

As a parent of a child who depends on glasses every day, I know how important it is for my son Jonas to have regular optical check-ups before the school year to ensure his prescription is up to date, allowing him to be as successful as he can be for the year ahead. 

Before the new school year officially starts, here are a few reasons why it’s important to keep your children’s eyesight in mind before heading back to school. 

  1. Children might not realize they have vision issues or need the help of glasses. There are not always clear signs or warnings that lead a parent to question if their child needs or would benefit from wearing prescriptive eyewear, and at the same time, children might not realize they need to either. Because every set of eyes is different and vision can change at various stages, it’s best to receive regular eye exams.  For most kids, this is often recommended every 6 months. Before taking the first step of visiting an eye doctor, there are a few simple warning signs that you can be on alert for that might indicate its time to pay a visit to the eye doctor. A few symptoms to be aware of are: 

  • Squinting or rubbing of eyes

  • Holding objects close to the face

  • Lack of concentration

  • Constant headaches

  • Haziness or clouding in the pupil

We recommend scheduling an appointment with a local optometrist or with a national vision center, such as Walmart Vision Center, to get your child’s eyes checked, but you can also do a basic home eye test. Keep in mind that home eye testing is not a substitute for a complete medical eye examination by an optometrist.

  1. Your children’s pediatrician may not catch that your children’s eyes need visual correction. While it’s also important to visit a pediatrician before going back to school, these check-ups don’t always include an eye screening. The next time you plan a visit to the doctor, keep this in mind and be sure to plan ahead! I always recommend doing some research beforehand on some local, kid-friendly eye doctors that offer glasses for kids and will be able to give your child a proper eye exam to evaluate if they do need glasses or not. 

  2. Too much screen time every day and not enough outdoor time could cause or contribute to your child developing myopia (nearsightedness). New studies are beginning to show that children’s eyes are facing greater strain and are elongating due to too much screen time (elongation of the eye is linked to myopia). If your child has historically had and continues to have a significant amount of screen time this summer, it is definitely beneficial to have their eyes checked to see if their vision is changing. When you visit an eye doctor, make sure to discuss screen time and eye strain with them and get their recommendations for preventing long term damage.

 

To help decrease eye strain and the potentially harmful effects of screen time in the future, Jonas Paul Eyewear offers both non-prescription as well as prescription blue-light blocking lenses protect children’s eyes from increased blue-light exposure from frequent screen time.

Overall, if your child does need glasses, don’t worry! It’s a new, exciting time in their life. If you need tips and tricks on what to do once you find out you’ll be in need of kids prescription glasses, you can read a few of my recommended next steps here. 

 

Laura, co-founder and COO of Jonas Paul Eyewear, started the brand with her husband shortly after their first child, Jonas, was born with a rare-eye condition. From there, Jonas Paul Eyewear was created with the mission of creating stylish eyewear and providing sight to children in need with every purchase.

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Here’s What Too Much Screen Time Can Do to Your Kids’ Eyes, According to Doctors

by Erica Loop

If you have a job that involves staring at a computer screen, or are just REALLY into your phone, you probably already know what too much tech-time can do to your eyes. Well it looks like your mini me isn’t exempt from the computer-tablet-smartphone eye effect. According to the eye experts at the American Academy of Ophthalmology, excessive screen time can affect your kids’ vision too.

Nearsightedness (not being able to see closely clearly) is becoming increasingly more common. The rates of nearsightedness among Americans has almost doubled since 1971. So what’s going on here? New research published in the American Academy of Ophthalmology’s journal Ophthalmology found that near work activities (both screen and non-screen-related activities) may be one of the reasons for the increasing epidemic of nearsightedness.

Photo: Frank McKenna via Unsplash

Along with too much screen time, researchers also found that engaging in activities outdoors may have something to do with vision. The more time children, especially young children, spend outside, the slower the progression of nearsightedness is.

Along with blurry vision, experts also believe that too much time staring at screens can contribute to childhood dry eye, eye strain and headaches.

What can you do to help your child find relief from dry, strained computer/smartphone eyes? Forget about prescription computer glasses. Unless your child has a doctor’s diagnosis of nearsightedness, they don’t need special spectacles. Instead, make sure that your child takes 20 second breaks from serious screen-time every 20 minutes—the same goes for you!

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: Rawpixel

 

RELATED STORIES:

If Your Kid Gets Motion Sickness, These Bonkers-Looking Glasses Could Help

Babies Who Look Like Their Dads Are Healthier, New Research Shows

Is There a Link Between How Much & How Well Kids Read? Science Thinks So

 

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Why Outdoor Play Matters

By April Sutphen

I was never a fan of stories that started with, “When I was a kid…” but, here I am, starting my story with, “When I was a kid…”—because when I was a kid, things were different. Kids would play outside all day long. All the neighbors knew each other. Cars slowed down while children played kickball and rode their bikes in the street. I could safely walk to my friend’s house a few doors down and not return until dinner.

Now, I hardly ever see kids playing in the street. Cars often have no regard for children nor residential speed limits. It’s hard not to worry about your child if they don’t answer the phone. And that’s another thing! Kids as young as eight and nine years old have cell phones. I didn’t get my first phone until I was 13 and that followed my very first beeper. I’m not sure exactly what changed or when the shift in childhood happened, but I do know that the world is a different place now.

I have fond memories of my childhood. I remember my first big girl bike. It was purple, pink and white with a black seat and large black tires. My best friends name was Lauren and she lives about 10 houses down the block. I had to ride up one large hill and down the other side before arriving at her yellow ranch.

We used to swim in her pool, draw with sidewalk chalk, walk her adorable pit bull terrier, and eat apples with whipped cream and sugar. I would play at her house for hours and my mother never worried. I called her on Lauren’s house phone when I arrived and made sure I was home in time for dinner. I don’t remember a single time when Lauren and I watched television. We may have watched a movie or two during our sleepovers but our time was primarily consumed with using our imagination.

Fast forward to present day. My son lives on his XBox. He asked for a cell phone for Christmas and we compromised on an iPod. When we visit his best friends house one of their favorite things to do is sit in what’s called “the lion’s den” in his room and play games on their tablets. Sure, they talk to each other, comment on what they’re doing and swap tablets, but they’re not using their imaginations. They’re more engaged with the screen than with each other.

I’m sure I’m not the only one who attends these types of playdates. But my son’s lack of interest in participating in anything other than screen time isn’t only about lack of imagination, though that’s a big one! Lack of time outdoors can actually affect your child in more ways than one. Here are some unknown benefits of outside play for kids.

1. Improved Attention Span

If your child is anything like my son, his attention span is sometimes lacking. I’m lucky if he can follow me from the beginning of the conversation till the end without getting distracted. Did you know that time spent outdoors can actually help reduce the effects of ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder)? Some parents reported that their children were more apt to investigate and exhibit curiosity about the world around them after spending time in the fresh air and sunshine.

2. Increased Vitamin D

Vitamin D is one of those important vitamins that most of us get from exposure to the sun. If kids are spending too much time indoors, they’re lacking in vitamin D exposure. But what kind of physical effects can this have on kids?

Vitamin D in children actually helps strengthen bones and prevent both heart disease and diabetes. The best way for your child’s skin to absorb vitamin D is through limited exposure to the sun without sunscreen. Yes, sunscreen is extremely important and necessary for protecting your child’s skin and should always be used. However, if you can expose your child to even a few minutes of sunlight without sunscreen, they will receive their daily dose of this beneficial nutrient.

There are also vitamin D supplements available. You can also encourage your child to eat more foods rich in vitamin D such as eggs, cheese, milk and some breakfast cereals.

3. Improved Eyesight

Who knew that time spent outdoors could actually help your child’s vision? A recent study showed that those children that spent more time playing outdoors were less likely to suffer from nearsightedness. Those suffering from this condition have a difficult time seeing far away but can see up close, without the need for glasses. This condition is sometimes linked to genetics, however, studies have shown that those children that spend approximately 14 hours per week outside are at lower risk of nearsightedness.

Another reason why outside time means improved vision is because it reduces a child’s screen time, which can negatively impact their eyesight over time. Eye strain is a common side effect of too much time spent staring at a computer screen, phone, tablet or television. Other effects include eye fatigue, blurred vision and dryness.

Get Outside!

The best way to get your children outdoors is to join them! Even if it means sitting on your front porch while they play in the yard, taking a walk, or tossing a ball around. Your engagement will encourage them to get involved.

Even a few minutes outside can help your child in so many ways. It’s also important to get outdoors even during the winter months. Playing in the snow, sleigh riding or building snowmen, even for a short period of time, provides your child with the same benefits as playing during the summer time.

So get creative and get outside!

Featured Photo Courtesy: StockSnap via Pixabay

I am a 32 year old mother of a son and wife to an officer. I am honest about both the love and struggle of parenting. I enjoy being active and writing is my passion, second only to my family.

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