Children's digital eye strain assessment
Headaches after homework. Eyes that get tired or blurry on a screen. Squinting at the board. We assess screen-related vision symptoms in children as part of every comprehensive eye exam at Spadina Optometry in downtown Toronto.
When to book
- Headaches after screen use
- Recurring headaches after homework or extended screen sessions often point to an uncorrected prescription or focusing issue, not just fatigue.
- Squinting or holding close
- Squinting at the board, sitting close to a screen, or holding a tablet right up to the face are early signs that warrant an exam.
- Annual checkup
- Many children's vision problems are asymptomatic. Annual exams are recommended for school-age kids whether or not symptoms are present.
What is digital eye strain in children?
Digital eye strain — also called computer vision syndrome — is the cluster of symptoms that follows prolonged near work on screens: headaches, blurred or fluctuating vision, tired or burning eyes, dry eyes, and difficulty refocusing from screen to distance. In children it can also show up as squinting, rubbing, avoidance of reading, or complaints that schoolwork is "harder than it used to be."
Symptoms are usually multifactorial. The same set of complaints can be driven by an uncorrected prescription, a focusing or eye-teaming inefficiency, dry eye, poor screen ergonomics, or early myopia — and often by more than one of those at once. The point of the assessment is to figure out which.
What's included in the assessment
The assessment is a structured part of the comprehensive children's eye exam. It includes:
Accommodation testing
How well the focusing system shifts from far to near and sustains focus during prolonged close work.
Binocular vision evaluation
Eye teaming and alignment at reading and screen distance — a frequent and underdiagnosed source of fatigue.
Refractive status
Whether an uncorrected or under-corrected prescription is making screen work harder than it should be.
Dry eye and blink rate
Children blink less when concentrating on a screen — a common contributor to burning, dryness, and end-of-day discomfort.
Screen-habit history
Device distance, daily duration, lighting, posture, and break patterns — the practical context that shapes the recommendations.
Myopia screening
Including axial length monitoring where indicated. Sustained near work and myopia progression are linked, and many "screen strain" complaints are actually early myopia.
What happens after the assessment
We explain what we found in plain language and recommend the right next step. That might be:
- A prescription for glasses worn full-time or for near work
- A myopia management plan if myopia is developing or progressing
- Practical screen ergonomics — distance, lighting, break schedule, posture — tailored to your child's actual routine
- Dry eye care if blink rate or tear film is contributing
- Scheduled follow-up to monitor change over time, especially during school years
The goal is a plan that fits your family — not a generic handout.
OHIP coverage
OHIP covers one comprehensive eye exam per year for children under 20. The digital eye strain assessment is included as part of that exam — there is no separate fee. See OHIP eligibility for full details.
What to do next
If your child is showing screen-related symptoms — or it has been a year since their last exam — the next step is to book a children's eye exam. We see families from CityPlace, Fort York, Liberty Village, King West, Queen West, and the Harbourfront, with stroller-friendly access at 477 Richmond St W.
Ready When You Are
We know life is busy. That's why we make it easy to get expert care — right here in the heart of downtown Toronto. Flexible appointments. Friendly team. No stress.