You remembered the pens, pencils and paper but what about your kid’s eyes?

According to an American Optometric Association survey, 83 percent of children between the ages of 10 and 17 say they use an electronic device for three or more hours each day. And yet more than half of parents actually believe their children use such devices that much.

While access to technology creates educational opportunities for school-age children, it can also take a toll on their vision. If a child is experiencing eye strain, headaches, fatigue, loss of focus, blurred vision, double vision or head and neck pain, it could be an indication that he or she is suffering from digital eye strain or an undiagnosed vision problem.

The AOA urges parents to schedule yearly back-to-school eye exams with a local eye doctor to ensure children are prepared to learn with clear, healthy vision. To find an optometrist in your area, please visit www.aoa.org.

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Yemaya Lyles (right) wipes away tears during a news conference in front of the Rockdale County Public Schools administration building on Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023. Lyles' son, Antonio, was assaulted by a paraprofessional, who has since been fired and charged with battery. Lyles says her case against the school district has dragged on since then. (Miguel Martinez/AJC 2023)

Credit: Miguel Martinez