Children and Computer Vision Syndrome

By Mescheca C. Bunyon, OD

Special Eye Care

. https://www.specialeyecare.net/

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Children and Computer Vision Syndrome

Computer use has become a routine part of kids’ lives. About 90% of school-aged children in the U.S. have access to a computer. And kids are starting to use computers at a younger age. Among college students who were interviewed, 20% said they began using a computer before they were nine years old.

In fact, the use of computers and other digital devices has become so common during childhood that nearly one in four kids spend more than three hours a day using digital devices.

A Connection Between Computer Use and Myopia?

Many eye doctors who specialize in children’s vision say sustained computer use puts kids at higher risk for childhood myopia (nearsightedness). They point out that, though myopia affects approximately 25% of the U.S. population, nearly 50% of adult computer users with a college education are nearsighted. Computer use, especially among youngsters whose eyes are still changing, may be the reason for this disparity.

Why Computers Can Be Hard on Kids’ Eyes

Sitting for hours in front of a computer screen stresses a child’s eyes because the computer forces the child’s vision system to focus and strain a lot more than during any other task. This can put children at an even greater risk than adults for developing symptoms of computer vision syndrome.

Computer use stresses the eyes more than reading a book or magazine because it’s harder to maintain focus on computer-generated images than on printed images. This is especially true for young children, whose visual system is not fully developed.

Tips for Preventing Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) in Children

To prevent your child from developing eyestrain and other CVS symptoms (including increasing myopia), follow these tips:

• Before they start school, make sure your kids have a comprehensive eye exam – including an assessment of their near-point (computer and reading) vision skills.

• Make sure your child’s computer workstation is arranged to suit body size. For children, the recommended distance between the monitor and the eye is 18-28 inches to avoid risk of eyestrain with closer viewing. Also, the screen should be a few inches below the child’s eyes. The chair should be adjusted so your child’s arms are parallel with the desk surface and his feet rest comfortably on the floor. These adjustments help avoid posture problems and strained muscles.

• Be aware of the signs and symptoms of vision problems, such as eye redness, frequent rubbing of the eyes, head turns and other unusual postures or complaints of blurriness or eye fatigue. Avoidance of the computer or school work may also indicate a vision problem.

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 doctor may want to set aside extra time to perform tests specifically designed to detect computer vision problems.