Children and Computer Vision Syndrome
| Children and Computer Vision Syndrome | |
| Date: December 17, 2006 | |
The average American child now spends one to three hours per day on the computer doing homework, talking online with friends, and playing games. Parents encourage children as young as two or three years old to use the computer. In fact, 90% of school-age children have computer access at home or in school. Fifty-four million children in the United States alone use a computer at home or in school. It is clearly documented heavy computer use among children (near point work in general) puts them at risk for early myopia. This is not to imply computer work by children should be discouraged by parents however, specific considerations should be entertained to limit the effects on the child's vision. Several recent studies demonstrate evidence that computers can have a significant impact on a child's vision. Thirty to forty percent of computer-using children need corrective eyewear to work comfortably and safely at the computer says a study at the University of California at Berkeley School of Optometry. The percentage of first-graders with myopia has increased from 12.1% to 20.4% since 1995, according to studies done by the Department of Health. A similar study found that in three years the percentage of seven- to nine-year-olds with myopia had doubled. 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 any other task. Twenty years ago, most children played outside, and their distant vision was more important. Today, most children work at a computer either at home or school each day. Sitting in front of a computer and staring at a computer screen is causing increased vision problems that could be avoided with proper posture and computer glasses. According to the American Optometric Association, the impact of computer use on children's vision involves several factors. Children have a limited degree of self-awareness. They may perform a task on the computer for hours with few breaks. This prolonged activity can cause eye focusing and eye straining problems. Children are very adaptable. They assume that what they see and how they see is normal - even if their vision is problematic. That's why it is important for parents to monitor the time a child spends working at a computer. Children are smaller than adults. Since computer workstations are often arranged for adult use, this can change the viewing angle for children. Computer users should view the screen slightly downward, at a 15-degree angle. Furthermore, as a result of difficulty reaching the keyboard or placing their feet on the floor, a child may experience neck, shoulder and/or back pain. Tips for Preventing Computer Vision Syndrome in Children Before starting school, every child should have a comprehensive eye exam, including near-point (computer and reading) and distance testing. Workstations should be arranged to suit a child - not an adult. The recommended distance between the monitor and the eye for children is 18-28 inches. By viewing the computer screen closer than 18 inches, children risk straining their eyes. This includes Gameboys. Parents and teachers should be aware of any behavior that indicates potential 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 may also be an indication of discomfort. Most importantly, even if your child appears to be symptom-free ask your eye doctor if computer glasses would help your child to avoid eye strain and potential nearsightedness. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this topic please contact our offices in Stillwater at 405-372-1715 or Pawnee at 918-762-2573. |
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