Managing pediatric dry eye symptoms during back to school visits

In an exclusive interview with Optometry Times, Pamela Theriot, OD, FAAO, discussed the growing challenge of pediatric dry eye and digital eye strain as children head back to school. With classrooms increasingly reliant on tablets, Chromebooks, and other digital devices, pediatric patients are spending long hours on screens at school and then continuing device use at home—placing strain on the ocular surface and meibomian gland function.

Theriot explained how back-to-school season creates a crucial window for comprehensive pediatric eye exams. She discussed updating prescriptions, prescribing second pairs, sports eyewear, and fitting children with contact lenses when appropriate. More importantly, she outlined how eye care providers can use this visit to educate families on annual eye exams for every child, not only those already wearing glasses.

Theriot also shared her recommendations for managing pediatric dry eye, including optimizing screen ergonomics (arm’s length viewing distance, 20-degree downward gaze) and reinforcing the 20-20-20 rule as a tool to encourage conscious blinking and support meibomian gland health. Dr. Theriot shares how she uses a pediatric dry eye kit—featuring a hydration drink mix, eyelid and lash cleansing wipes, and air-activated warm compresses—to support ocular surface health before and after school without relying on in-school eye drop use.

The conversation also highlighted how children often lack the language to describe dryness, grittiness, or fatigue, instead reporting “blurry” or “itchy” eyes. Theriot offered clinical pearls for distinguishing digital eye strain, dry eye, myopia, and allergy in pediatric patients and provides talking points for addressing non-compliance, setting device-use boundaries, and encouraging at least 2 hours of outdoor time daily to help protect children’s vision in a digital world.