Do you know that 80% of what we learn is through our eyes and that the performance of children in school depends on the quality of their eyesight? Have you realized that your child avoids using his favorite computer?
Does he/she have dry eyes and complain about headaches, blurred vision and neck and shoulder complaints? If so, this may be a sign of the computer's visual syndrome. Nowadays, it is common for school-age children to use a computer or digital device for many hours every day. If you consider that one in four students has visual impairment problems and that 20% of high school students find it difficult to see the school board, you understand that increased exposure to a screen increases the chances of causing this syndrome. But which strategies should you follow to help prevent and avoid it?
Reprogramming Tips
- Perform a comprehensive ophthalmological examination: This is the most important factor in the prevention and / or treatment of vision problems.
- Use proper lighting: Eye strain is often caused by excessively bright light either from external sunlight coming through the window or from harsh internal lighting. That is why you should eliminate external light with curtains, shades or shutters. Reduce internal lighting by using fewer fluorescent lamps or, if possible, place the child's computer screen so that the windows are beside him/her rather than in front of or behind the computer.
- Minimize reflection: It can create fatigue in his eyes. Alternatively, paint the bright white walls with a darker color with a matte finish. If he/she wears glasses, buy lenses with anti-reflective coating that reduce the glare and limit the amount of light reflected from the front and rear surfaces of his/her lenses.
- Decide on daily computer time:
The recommended use of the computer is related to the age of the child, according to the following table:
Age |
Recommended time limit |
Below 10 |
30 minutes a day |
10-13 |
1 hour a day |
14-15 |
2 hours a day |
16-18 |
At the parents’ discretion |
- Ask him/her to take frequent breaks: This will reduce the strain and allow his/her eyes and the rest of his body to rest.
- Adjust his workstation: Adjust his seat according to his height and check that his feet are not in the air. Also place the computer screen 51 to 61 centimetres from his eyes and ensure that the center of the screen is about 10 to 15 degrees below his eyes for the safe position of his head and neck.
Reprogramming the vision of my child means:
I avoid excessive exposure to the PC. Because, as our ancient ancestors said: Everything should be done in moderation.
Anastasios M. Margaritis
Occupational Health& Safety Specialist.
Bsc Physiotherapy & Sports Science.
Orthopaedic Manual Therapist.
Back Mechanic Specialist.