Nowadays, children and technology are almost inseparable. Children spend a significant amount of their day, whether for educational or leisure uses, looking at the LED screens of computers, tablets, smartphones, and other digital gadgets. Screens are known to cause blurriness, visual tiredness, and dry eyes in adults (since you don't blink as much while you're gazing at a screen).
In terms of children, as shown in a 2014 US survey, 80% of 10- to 17-year-olds reported itchy, weary eyes or burning after using mobile devices, and most research indicates that visual symptoms worsen after two to four hours of daily use. Here are some precautions you may take to keep their eyes safe from screens.
- Allow your children’s eyes to rest
It is suggested to take regular pauses after every 30-40 minutes of reading, writing, or playing computer games. Time spent on electronic devices such as tablets, mobile phones, and portable gadgets should also be limited.
- Consumption of fruits, vegetables, and fatty fish
Eating lutein and zeaxanthin-rich vegetables and fruits has been shown to protect the eyes from free radical damage. Spinach, egg yolks, orange juice, corn, kiwi, avocado, kale, orange peppers, collard greens, pistachios, brussels sprouts, goji berries grapes, and zucchini are high in these nutrients.
- Encourage good eye-care routines
Maintain healthy eye care practises, such as providing enough lighting for your children when he or she is reading or playing. When reading, keep your children 30 to 40cm away from the book and 50cm away from electronic devices. Having at least eight hours of sleep each night is also crucial for keeping your child's eyes from straining.
- Annual eye exams
Make an appointment with an eye doctor near you for your children's annual eye exams prior to the start of each school year. In order to ensure that your child's eyes are healthy and that he or she can see well, you should do special tests and make particular recommendations to decrease the risk and signs of computer eye strain.
The future belongs to children and technology. Taking these basic precautions will help your tech-savvy children see well and safely for coming years. To purchase contact lenses, you can order online through shop.malayaoptical.com or if you just nearby Petaling Jaya area you can drop by to our shop at Malaya Optical Optometrist