At a time like this, #Lockdown due to COVID, when all
of us are indoors, our screen time has increased.
The use of TV, computers, I
pads, mobile phones is way more than the recommended time for any age,
especially young ones and teenagers.
This is turning out to be a
good way to continue education, learn new and fun things, keep in touch with
friends and family in these difficult times but it also comes with its own set
of problems.
What bad things can increased
screen time do?
1.
Can cause eye
strain resulting in a feeling of discomfort, eye pain, watering, blinking, headaches
and rarely double vision.
2.
Can cause dry eye
resulting in again a feeling of discomfort, rubbing , pink or red eye and
frequent blinking
3.
Can cause eye
muscle balance problems especially for
near work, like accommodation and convergence issues.
4.
May aggravate
some kinds of squint.
5.
Excessive near
work associated with small screen use may cause existing myopia to increase in
predisposed children.
6.
Can cause mental
and physical fatigue to some extent with neck pain, back pain etc.
Recommendations to reduce the
bad effects of screens.
1.
Frequent breaks
from screens. Follow the 20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes there should be a break
of atleast 20-40 seconds maybe more for children.
2.
Use larger
screens which can be viewed at a
distance versus smaller screens. The TV is better then the laptop which is
better than the mobile phone.
3.
For children who
wear prescription glasses, they should
keep glasses on while using screens
4.
Preferably use
screens in day light in a well lit room where some sunlight also comes in.
5.
Reduce personal
screen time involving games.
6.
Most newer
electronic devices have an inbuilt UV protection screen and extra glasses for
the same are not required.
7.
Correct upright
posture will reduce fatigue. No lying down.
8.
To teach children to view distant objects or just look out of the window or
close their eyes intermittently
For symptomatic children. (Children
exhibiting some complaints)
For mild symptoms of some
discomfort off and on, some blinking, feeling of tired eyes etc
a.
Begin by taking
frequent breaks
b.
Practice distance
viewing
c.
Can do cold
compresses
d.
Can use
lubricating eye drops after discussing with your Kids Eye Doctor
For moderate to severe
symptoms: Consult your Kids eye doctor.
Recommendations for online
learning:
1.
Schools should be
encouraged to not have online learning for very young children ( maybe less
then 10 years of age) If still needed it should be at a minimum time of 1or 2
sessions of 20-30 minutes each
2.
For older
children it is preferred that the school uploads the teaching videos and the
children be allowed to view them at their convenience over the day
3.
If continuous
session necessary for evaluation purposes etc frequent and adequate breaks recommended.
4.
Self or guided
book learning be an integral part of education as well.
Stay home. Stay safe. Reduce your screen time.
Keep your eyes healthy.
