WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — Some children say increased screen time due to remote learning is impacting their eyes.

According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, on average, U.S. children between the ages of eight and 12 spend four to six hours in front of screens each day. The Academy says teens can spend up to nine hours in front of screens. 

Pragya Silwal has two children, one in first grade, the other in fifth grade. She says her kids' screen time has drastically increased since remote learning began.

"Earlier they used to get one hour of screen time at home. Now, with the learning and everything it's at least five hours a day with all the homework and remote learning," she said.

Silwal says she has begun to notice how that has impacted their eyes.

"At the end of the day her eyes are dry, both of them. They're starting to blink a lot more than they used to before, that's definitely not a good sign," Silwal added.

Her kids are not alone. 

"With prolonged screen time we're seeing more and more problems with kids having eye strain being on the computer all day, causing headaches, causing blurred vision, and causing dry eyes," Dr. Ankita Patel, a pediatrician with Novant Health said.

However, she says she is not sure remote learning is the sole reason.

"I don't think it's necessarily that there's prolonged screen time causing these issues, more so that it's bringing out problems that were already there," Dr. Patel said.

Dr. Patel says there are some things parents can do to keep their kids' eyes safe as remote learning continues for many.

"Do device-free play time, take frequent breaks. Follow the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes stop, take a 20 second break, and look 20 feet away," Dr. Patel added.

She also recommends kids get enough exercise and spend time outside if the weather permits.