Computers have become a routine part of our lives and kids are no exception to it.
An average Canadian child spends up to three hours on the computer and about 90% of school going children have access to computers at their homes. According to a survey conducted over college students, 20% of them began using computers at the age of nine.
So how is this computer use affecting the vision of children?
Many doctors specializing in eye care of children asserted on the fact that early age computer use put kids on a higher risk for childhood myopia. Though 25% of our population is affected by Myopia, nearly 50% of adult computer users with college education are nearsighted.
Several studies conducted by the schools of optometrists have found a strong correlation between amount of time spent on computer by young children and their development of nearsightedness.
Why computers prove hard on kids eyes.
Computer put more stress on kids than reading a book or magazine because it is harder to maintain focus on computer generated images than printed ones. This is specifically true to young children whose vision is not properly developed.
According to optometric association, children may be more vulnerable to computer related vision problems because –
Children have limited self awareness. They may keep working on computer for hours without breaks. This prolonged activity can cause eye strain and focusing problems.
Children presume that their eye sight is normal even if their vision is deteriorating and impaired.
Basically computer systems are arranged for adults. Since kids are smaller, they are intended to sit closer to the computers that can cause eye strain, neck, shoulder and back pain.
Tips for preventing computer vision syndrome in children.
Before they start school, make sure your kids have a comprehensive Mississauga Eye exam including an assessment of their near point vision skills.
Make sure your child's computer system is arranged to suit body size. For children recommended distance between monitor and eyes is at least 18 to 28 inches to avoid risk of eyestrain with closer viewing. The screen should be few inches below the child's eye lids and the chair should be adjusted so that the arms are parallel with the desk surface and feet rest comfortably on the floor. These help avoid posture problems and strained muscles.
Beware of signs and symptoms of vision problems, such as redness in eyes, frequent rubbing of eyes, head turns and other unusual postures or complaints of blurriness or eye fatigue. Avoidance of computer or school work may be an indication.
If you suspect your child is developing vision problems particularly related to computer use, be sure you mention when you make an appointment for an eye exam. Your eye doctor may set aside extra examination to detect computer related vision problems. Taking suitable precautions in time can help your child keep a healthy vision. Getting eye tests at regular intervals is one such means to know about your vision problems right in time and take suitable precautionary steps.
Author Resource:
Graham Sandras is a freelance article author with special interests in health care issues. Right now he is writing on Toronto Optometrist and West Toronto Eye Care
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