Tips to Prevent Computer Related Vision Problems

The American Optometric Association (AOA) warns that children heading back to school are at risk for developing Computer Vision Syndrome, which leaves them vulnerable to problems like dry eye, eyestrain and fatigue.

Too much time in front of a computer screen can lead to eye discomfort, fatigue, blurred vision and headaches. However, some unique aspects of how children use computers may make them even more susceptible than adults to these problems. According to VSP Vision Care, nearly half of U.S. children spend four hours a day or more using computers or other portable electronic devices.

Parents should consider these issues concerning children’s use of computers:

• Children have a limited degree of self-awareness. Prolonged activity without a significant break can cause eye focusing problems and eye irritation.
• Children are very adaptable. As a result, children often work in an unhealthy situation — such as with glare on the computer screen — and might not even think about changing the computer arrangement or surroundings to achieve more comfortable viewing. This can result in excessive eye strain.
• Also, children often accept blurred vision caused by nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia) or astigmatism because they think everyone sees the way they do.
• Children are not the same size as adults. Most computer workstations are arranged for adult use. Therefore, a child using a computer on a typical office desk often must look upward at a higher angle than an adult.
• The lighting level for the proper use of a computer is about half as bright as that normally found in a classroom. Increased light levels can contribute to excessive glare and problems associated with adjustments of the eye to different levels of light.

Children have different needs to comfortably use a computer. A small amount of effort can help reinforce appropriate viewing habits and assure comfortable and enjoyable computer use.

In preparation for a healthy school year, the AOA offers parents these tips for preventing Computer Vision Syndrome in children:

• Have your child’s vision checked before beginning school.
• Strictly enforce the amount of time that children may continuously use the computer, with a 20 second break for every 20 minutes of use.
• Check the height and arrangement of the computer, which are generally adjusted for adults.
• Check the lighting for glare on the computer screen (try holding a mirror flat against the screen to look for light sources reflecting off the screen).
• Reduce the amount of lighting in the room to match the computer.

[Read Press Release]