Since the outbreak, many students have turned to virtual learning to keep up with their schoolwork during the lockdown, resulting in a significant increase in their screen use. In India, children aged 5 to 16 spend an average of 8-9 hours every day in front of a screen. It’s understandable that you’re concerned about your child’s eyesight and eye health considering, all of the extra time spent focused on screens (whether for virtual learning or enjoyment).

Spending lengthy periods in front of a screen can be harmful to your eyes, with both immediate and long-term implications. Too much blue light causes eye tiredness and disrupts sleep cycles. The frequent usage of digital gadgets is exposing more individuals to more blue light these days. People who spend too much time on digital gadgets don’t blink as frequently as they should, causing their eyes to become blurry.

What are the negative consequences of youngsters’ spending more time in front of screens?

Tired eyes

Like any other muscle, the muscles surrounding the eyes can become weary over time. Concentrating on a screen for long periods can lead to concentration problems and headaches around the temples and eyes. Children may also use screen devices in dimly lit environments, creating squinting fatigue.

Cloudy vision

Gazing at the same distance for a lengthy period can cause the focusing mechanism of the eye to spasm or briefly “lock up.” Continuous computer usage and other close-up indoor activities may contribute to an increased incidence of myopia (nearsightedness) in youngsters. Spending more time outside as a youngster may result in better visual development.

Itchy eyes

People blink substantially less frequently when focused on a computer screen, which might cause dry and irritated eyes. Desktop and laptop computer use can be more taxing on children’s eyes because they are often located higher up in the visual field than, say, a book. As a result, the upper eyelids tend to open wider, hastening the evaporation of the tear film in the eye.

Blue Light

Children’s eyes absorb more blue light from digital screens than adults’ eyes. As a result, if your kid begins to spend more time outside, their eyes will be exposed to less blue light, which will help halt the onset of short-sightedness.

Eyestrain 

Digital eye strain is a contemporary eye ailment that is becoming increasingly widespread due to the extended usage of digital devices such as phones, computers, and televisions. If your child spends a lot of time gazing at a screen (like a phone), their eyes may grow tired, and staring at a screen too closely (like a phone) can strain the muscles in their eyes. Eye strain can also be caused by light glare reflected off digital devices. Headaches, dry eyes, blurred or double vision, and light sensitivity are among the signs of eye strain to look out for in your kid.

Assist your youngster in developing excellent eye habits

Here are ten methods to help protect your child’s eyes from computer vision syndrome:

• To remind them, set a kitchen timer or a smart device timer.
• Alternate between reading an e-book and a traditional book, and urge them to look up and out the window every two chapters.
• Look out the window for 20 seconds after completing a level in a video game.
• Mark books with a paperclip every few chapters to remind your youngster to check up on information. To achieve the same effect with an e-book, utilize the “bookmark” function.
• Avoid using a computer outside or in well-lit locations since the glare on the screen might cause strain.
• Adjust the brightness and contrast of your computer screen to your preference.
• When using a computer or reading, maintain optimal posture.
• Encourage your youngster to hold digital media at a distance of 18 to 24 inches.
• Make a distraction that will compel your toddler to look up now and then.
• Remind them to blink while they are looking at a screen.

Conclusion

Most computer users, without a doubt, suffer from digital eyestrain. When it comes to digital eyestrain, children are no different from adults. They may also suffer from dry eyes, eye strain, headaches, and blurred vision. While most symptoms are transient, they can be frequent and long-lasting.

Another crucial recommendation is to schedule a yearly complete eye exam for your kid. If you’ve seen any changes in your child’s vision in recent months, or if they’ve expressed any of the symptoms listed above, it’s time to get them an eye exam. You can visit A Tanna & Sons Opticians in Mumbai for eye test.