Children and computer seem to be the new best friends, but then again, prolonged use of computer causes asthenopia or more commonly computer vision syndrome. Excessive computer exposure can also cause the development of myopia.
There are approximately 55 million children who have access to computers. They spend about one up to four hours in computers, some playing, and some on other computer features. There are already 25 per cent who needs corrective eyeglasses in order to use the computer comfortably.
There are a few symptoms associated with computer vision syndrome. These are not just felt in the eyes but also in the body. Some of these include headache, blurred near and distant vision, and muscle pains in back and neck. Although, these needs to be thoroughly checked by eye doctors, since these can also be caused by other eye problems. Dry eyes are also caused by reduced number of blinks. When children focus on computer screens, they literally reduce the number of blinks. Thus, the tear film is not replenished causing the eye to dry out.
Aside from prolonged exposure to computers, there are also some outside factors that contribute to more serious computer vision syndrome. Some of these include improper setting of computers; and, improper room lighting.
Improper computer settings should be altered for children’s use. Distance from computer should be 18 inches or more. If children are closer to computer screen, this contributes to more eye strain. Looking at computer screen should also be at approximately 15 degrees downward. The children should also be able to reach the keyboard comfortably as well as the floor. This would avoid neck and back pains.
Improper room lighting also adds to the strain of computer vision syndrome. This may be addressed by changing the orientation of the computer. This can also be resolved by putting a good lamp near the computer.
Children have an untrained self-awareness; they may not feel the strain until it gets some physical signs. Some signs include dry eyes, red and irritated eyes and eye focusing problem. This is why it is very important for parents to have regular eye checkups for their children. This will avoid any more serious problems.
Parents should also advise children to rest their eyes while using the computers. One common way is to rest the eye every 20 minutes by looking at an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Another one is by consciously blinking the eyes every now and then.