It used to be that we warned kids about lengthy television viewing. Now we need to be concerned about computer screens for school work, mobile screens, and screens for playing computer games.
Computer vision syndrome or digital eye strain is the result of two or more hours in front of a digital screen, including tablets, computers, and phones. It consists of dry and irritated eyes, eye fatigue, blurred vision, and headaches as well as neck and back pain. It can affect both adults and children.
The causes are too much time in front of the screen, the arrangement of the computer workstation, and undiagnosed vision problems.
Screen Time
A quick fix can be reducing time in front of the screen and applying the 20-20-20 Rule by having your child give their eyes a break every 20 minutes by looking at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. It works.
Workstation Arrangement
The computer workstation your child is using may have been sized for an adult. If so, this places their eyes too far from the screen. Plus, they can be looking up at the screen rather than the ideal of a slight downward look. All this adds up to posture problems, causing not only eye strain but back and neck strain.
Vision Problems
Undiagnosed vision problems can also be causes of computer vision syndrome. Computer vision is no different than concerns about reading problems or seeing the whiteboard at the front of the classroom. Children can’t easily determine by themselves if they have vision problems. So, they need to be tested periodically.
Computer Glasses
Once you’ve taken steps to address screen time and workstation arrangement, it’s time for an eye exam. We’ll conduct a thorough exam, determine any vision problems your child may have, and prescribe corrective lenses, if they’re needed.
Computer glasses are typically designed to provide focus at 20 to 26 inches in front of the eyes—right where the computer screen should be. This helps relieve any strain from focusing on the screen.
They also have a tint that reduces glare and often an antireflective coating that eliminates reflections from both the front and back of the lenses. They also block blue-light HEV rays that can be harmful to your eyes.
You can also have special antireflective coating applied to your child’s regular glasses to block HEV rays and help alleviate computer vision problems.
I’ve written more about this topic in “Kids and Computer Vision Syndrome.”
We Can Help
If your child is experiencing computer vision problems, or any vision problems, we can help with a thorough eye exam and provide the best treatment or eyeglass prescription.
Use our contact form or call us at 972-612-2099 to schedule your child’s appointment.
Disclaimer: The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.
