Eye risk you might not see!
IT’S one of the less talked about hazards of too much screen time – but your children could also be risking damage to their eyesight.
Excessive computer use could cause them to develop computer vision syndrome, also known as digital eye strain.
Although adults can also be affected, children are particularly susceptible to CVS due to their developing visual systems and often a lack of awareness about their screen usage.
Nimmi Mistry, professional services optician at Vision Direct, explains what the condition is and provides some tips on how to avoid it.
What is computer vision syndrome?
Also known as digital eye strain or digital visual syndrome (DVS), it is a term given to a set of symptoms that can arise from using digital devices for a long time.
What are the symptoms? Eye fatigue: Prolonged effort demanded of our eyes without sufficient breaks can lead to eye fatigue, which presents as blurred vision and tired eyes.
Studies have shown when we use a screen we tend to blink less, which means your eyes get less lubrication, leaving them sore and tired.
Headaches: The intense light and the pressure to which our eyes are subjected continuously can cause headaches. Photophobia: CVS can lead to hypersensitivity to light.
The screen or monitor should be at least between 50cm and 65cm away from the user, and the monitor and keyboard positioned in a straight line.
Make sure the screen has a good resolution and is of good quality.
Use the 20-20-20 rule. This involves looking away from the screen every 20 minutes to look for 20 seconds at a fixed point 20 feet away.
Artificial tears help manage dry eyes.
Blinking helps alleviate dryness and eye strain, something they can forget to do when staring at a screen.
If severe symptoms persist, make an appointment with a specialist.
If your children spend a lot of time in front of screens and are squinting or rubbing their eyes, it’s vital to have their eyes tested.
Screen detox. Find other ways for your kids to have fun.