July 21, 2011
Posted by Milton Carrero at 06:00:00 AM on July 21, 2011
Most of us smile when we realize that children are more technologically savvy than us. It's impressive to see what a smartphone can do in their hands. But do we know what this is doing to their eyes?
A recent study by the Kaiser Family Foundation found that children and teenagers, ages 8-18, are spending more than 7 hours a day consuming electronic media. The result: an increase in blurry vision, headaches, dry eyes, neck pain and difficulty focusing.
These are all symptoms of digital eye strain or computer vision syndrome, a condition that is now the number one computer-related complaint in the U.S., ahead of carpal-tunnel syndrome. Adults were once the only ones vulnerable to digital eye strain. Our jobs often force us to spend the better part of the day staring at a computer screens. But sharp computer graphics, innovative games and sophisticated electronic devices are claiming more and more of our children's attention.
Here are a few tips to avoid irritated eyes, fatigue and headaches:
Eye exams: It’s important to monitor your child's vision regularly. Doctors recommend the first eye exam at six months of age, then at the age of three, before starting kindergarten, and every year after that.
20/20/20 Rule: Every 20 minutes, stop and look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.
Limit device use: Doctors do not recommend any screen time for children under two years. Older children should limit their exposure to two hours a day.
Use proper lighting: Position your computer screen in a way that reduces reflections and glare from windows or overhead lights. Focus the light on what you are looking at, not on you.
Working distance: Keep at least an arm's length between the device and your eyes.
Invite your children to play with you outside: It's still fun. Look out for any signs of squinting or recurring back and neck pain.
ABOUT THE WRITERS
TIM DARRAGH has been reporting and editing the news for 30 years, most of it at The Morning Call. For much of that time, he's been doing award-winning investigative and in-depth reporting projects. Tim created the three-year-long Change of Heart project, and wrote a series on the state's fractured food inspection system that led to widespread improvements in food safety. Meantime, that novice jogger you see plodding along the streets around Bethlehem Township? That would be Tim.
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