How do I protect my child’s eyes from harmful effects of computer use?

Here are some steps to visually-friendly computer use

• A comprehensive eye examination for the child:  This will ensure that the child can see clearly and comfortably and detect any hidden conditions that may      contribute to eye strain.  When necessary, glasses, contact lenses or vision therapy can provide clear, comfortable vision for computer use. Some optometrists give free eye examinations to children at certain times of the year, such as in the ‘back to school’ summer period.

• Carefully check the height and position of the computer.  The child's size should determine where the monitor and keyboard are placed.  In many situations, the computer monitor will be too high in the child's field of view.  A good solution to many of these problems is an adjustable chair that can be raised for the child's comfort.  A foot stool may be helpful in supporting the child's feet.

• Carefully check for glare and reflections on the computer screen.  Position the monitor to minimize glare.  Windows or other light sources should not be directly visible when sitting in front of the monitor.  When this occurs, the desk or computer may be turned to prevent glare on the screen.  Sometimes glare is less obvious. 

• Adjust the amount of lighting in the room for sustained comfort.

• Build in break times. A brief break every hour will minimize the development of eye focusing problems and eye irritation.

• Establish time limits for computer use. Setting limits will help your child decide what activities are priorities and how to split time between reading a book, watching      TV, using the PC, and doing some outdoor activity. This can also help children develop good time-management skills.

Always seek to find out the effects on the eyes of activities your children spend time on in order to keep their eyes protected always. Help them continuously see the beauty of life.