UnitedHealthcare has posted healthy vision tips for kids and adults.

Eye health is an important factor in overall well-being, but many Pennsylvania children may not regularly see an eye doctor. With many kids out of school for the summer, screen time can add up quickly and contribute to health issues. UnitedHealthcare noted that myopia, also known as nearsightedness, has significantly increased over the last few decades, and this condition is connected to increased near work and the use of digital devices at close range.

To help protect their eyes, people should reduce excessive blue light exposure by following the 20-20-20 rule when using digital devices, which means taking a 20-second break every 20 minutes to focus on something 20 feet away. Likewise, spending more time outdoors can help reduce the risk of developing nearsightedness.

People should watch for common symptoms of nearsightedness such as blurred vision when looking at distant objects, the need to squint to see clearly, eye strain, and occasional headaches. Vigilance is particularly important for children because myopia can appear at an early age.

People should have a comprehensive eye exam, which can detect health problems that a screening or a school vision exam may miss. A comprehensive exam may even help to detect some health issues not usually associated with the eyes such as diabetes and certain types of cancers.