Eye Care For You

Children and Computer Vision Syndrome

J.A. Parker
J.A. Parker

By now, your children are out of school and are doing their summer time “thing.” For some kids, that is vacationing and spending time with family, while for others, it is relaxing—watching tv, playing video games, or on the computer several hours of the day.

Computers and computerized games have become a routine part of kids’ lives. Surveys show the average American child spends one to three hours daily on a computer surfing the Internet, reading, chatting online with friends, or playing video games. Kids are also using computers at a younger age now– as early as 6 years old.

As parents, you may wonder if too much computer use could be affecting your kid’s eyes. Eye doctors who specialize in children’s vision will say that sustained computer use puts kids at higher risk for nearsightedness and focusing problems. Computer use, especially among youngsters whose eyes are still changing, may be the culprit for younger kids requiring glasses.

Computer use puts more stress on the eyes than reading general books. This easily happens because kids tend to play the games at too close range and for hours without taking a break. Kids also never want to admit when their eyes are tired. This causes the eyes to work harder than they should. To prevent your child from developing eyestrain, here are some suggestions: • Make sure your kids have a comprehensive eye exam before school starts • Make sure your child’s computer workstation is positioned 18 to 28 inches from the child to avoid eyestrain. The screen should also be a few inches below eye level. Adjusting the chair also helps avoid posture problems and strained neck, hand, and back muscles.

• Look for signs and symptoms of vision problems— red eye, rubbing eyes frequently, squinting, or complaints of blurriness or tired eyes.

• If you suspect your child may be developing a vision problem related to computer use, be sure to mention this when you make an appointment for an eye exam. Your eye doctor may set aside extra time to perform tests specifically for detecting computer related vision problems. Since school is starting in less than 1 month, make sure to have your child’s eye exam early enough to have time to get the glasses they may need.

If you are in need of an eye care provider, I invite you to visit EnVision Eye Care. 321 W. Montgomery Crossroads, Savannah (near Hunter Golf Course and VA Medical Clinic). For appointments, call (912) 927-0707 and visit us at www.envisionsavannah.com


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