Kids and Computer Eye Strain

On average, teenagers spend approximately 10 – 15 hours a week online.

There has been a marked increase in the number of children diagnosed with myopia in the past 10 years, and it is suspected that Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) is the cause. Children today spend more time working and playing on computers than any generation before.

20/20/20
Doctors recommend that every 20 minutes your kids should take a break from looking at their computer screen and focus on an object at least 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This is commonly referred to as the 20/20/20 rule. They should also take a 10-minute break every hour.

Position of the computer

To reduce eye strain, the ideal computer screen position is at a 10 to 15 degree angle below eye level, assuming your child is sitting straight up and looking straight ahead. Children often use computers set up for adult eye levels. Ideally, a child would have their own desk for their size and a dedicated computer set up specifically for their size; since this is not always practical, parents should try to find a computer screen with an adjustable height and make sure the screen is adjusted for each user.
Laptop computers generally sit in laps and can be too close to the eyes. Ideally a computer screen should sit 20-24 inches away from the eyes. Because children are smaller, the distance between their laps and their eyes is also shorter. Encourage children to use a desktop computer or put the laptop on the desk.

As technology permeates our children's lives and futures, we need to help them develop good habits today that will last a lifetime.

Eye Exams

The best way to help reduce computer eye strain is to make sure your child has the right prescription eyeglasses. Routine eye exams also can also detect other underlying conditions.  Your optometrist will perform several tests during your eye exam that test and check your vision.  These tests are completely painless.  Some procedures are a bit uncomfortable but they aren’t hard to deal with.  A proper eye exam will take approximately one hour.

Computer Glasses

Eyeglasses made for the correct viewing distance from a computer and with anti reflective coating will make viewing a computer screen easier on the eyes and help reduce eye fatigue.

Lower the lights

Dimmer lights are better for viewing bright computer screens. People often assume that a computer should be lit at the same lighting levels that one would use for reading books. This is not the case; computer screens are best seen in slightly darker surroundings.
If you haven’t had an eye exam in the last year, make sure you drop into one of our convenient locations to make an appointment or you can contact us online.  We look forward to seeing you soon!
Read the the original article on davisvision.com

Orange City 20/20 Eyeglass Superstore
1270 Saxon Blvd,
Orange City, FL 32763
Tel: 386-774-5000