Introduction:
Eye protection for children is becoming one of the major concerns for parents these days as the burden of online classes for school, hobby classes, etc., has increased due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Also, children are more engaged in video games than any other physical activity. Various modes of attending online classes include smartphones, laptops, computers, tablets, etc., which emit blue light. This article will help you to make some decisions to prevent damage to the eye due to increased screen time, especially the usage of protective eyewear.
What Are the Effects Of Prolonged Use Of Digital Screens?
Usage of screens for a prolonged time causes eye strain which can be called digital eye strain. Various symptoms of this involve dry eyes, blurred vision, headaches, strain in the eye, etc. Also, in the long run, it can cause myopia.
Children may face eye problems due to the following causes, which can be managed using the below-mentioned measures:
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Distance: Sitting very close to the system or screen can affect the eyes. It is important to have a distance of 20 to 26 inches between the eyes and the screen to prevent eye strain.
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Use of Contact Lenses: Contact lenses help to correct eye vision, but at the same time, their prolonged usage can cause dryness and ultimately cause eye strain.
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Inadequate Breaks: Taking inadequate and infrequent breaks between screen usage can cause eye strain. Hence, the doctors advise the 20-20-20 rule, which means taking frequent breaks every 20 minutes by looking at an object that is 20 feet away from the eyes for 20 seconds. This is also applicable while reading a book.
What Is the Mechanism of Functioning of Computer Glasses?
Various commercially available computer glasses claim to protect the eye from screen lights. It is important to understand how it works. Magnification of a range of 20 to 26 inches away is produced by computer glasses, and it can be adjusted according to the individual.
Some commercially available glasses make it easier to look directly at the screen without the need to bend the head. Also, glasses are available without power. It is beneficial in adults using bifocal or trifocal glasses. In rare situations, children wearing bifocals may also benefit from this.
Some additional features are there which may help protect the eyes of the children are as follows:
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Anti-reflective Coating: The purpose of this feature is to diminish blue light that is emitted by computers, phones, tablets, etc.
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Transition or Photochromic: These are eyeglasses available with prescription which become dark when you go into the sunlight and thus, protect your eyes.
Is It Necessary to Protect Children’s Eyes From Screens?
Many studies have been conducted to know the relationship between screens and eye problems, and various researches have shown that blue light is not exactly the causative factor. Instead, the way how digital devices are used is known to have a toll on the eyes. For example, working on the system reduces the rate of blinking, which has a negative impact on the eyes by bringing about dry eyes and other associated symptoms of digital eye strain. Also, maintaining a poor posture while working can aggravate the ill effects.
However, it has been implicated that the blue light produced by the systems keeps us alert and reduces the secretion of a certain sleep hormone called melatonin. Increased exposure to blue lights can make children as well as adults stay awake for longer durations and also contribute to sleeping problems by altering the circadian rhythm.
Children should get specific protective eyewear for glasses after consulting their doctor, especially those with eye powers, as this can help to prevent any further damage to the eyes.
What Should Parents Do to Protect Their Children's Eyes?
Just providing protective eyewear will not solve the problem. Few additional measures are required to ensure your child’s eyes are safe, and they are as follows:
1. Monitor the time that your child takes to spend in front of the screen.
2. Keeping a good distance between eyes and screen which should be approximately 25 inches or the length of an arm.
3. They should blink their eyes frequently, which will help to replenish the tears in their eyes.
4. You can use a matte screen filter which will help in reducing the glare of the screen.
5. Ensure to guide them about the 20-20-20 rule.
6. Advise them to use dark mode or nighttime settings in their apps or screen, which will help in preventing straining of the eyes.
7. Encourage them to get involved in physical games more.
8. It is always better to get an annual eye check-up done for the child.
9. A sound sleep for an adequate amount of time is also important for giving rest to the body. Make sure your child gets it.
10. Prevent using gadgets like phones, laptops, etc., at least one hour before sleeping.
11. You can tell the school administration or teachers to implement the 20-20-20 rule while taking classes.
When you consult your doctor, he or she will initially examine your child and then prescribe you glasses, depending on the requirements.
What Is the Significance of the 20-20-20 Rule and How to Implement It in Our Daily Life?
As mentioned above, it is looking at an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds after every 20 minutes in front of the screen.
20 Feet:
The simple key is to gaze at something that is far, like a tree, a building that is across the street, or looking at a larger outdoor area, etc.
20 Seconds:
Studies have shown that it takes exactly 20 seconds for our eyes to relax. Hence, the 20 seconds rule. In those 20 seconds, you can also have some water or green tea, which will hydrate you or provide you with antioxidants, respectively.
20 Minutes:
You can keep a reminder for the child. There are some apps available nowadays for this 20-20-20 cycle, and once you switch it on, it will keep reminding you about the exercise.
Conclusion:
Children's eyes are precious, and as all the classes are being conducted online recently, they are made to spend a long time in front of the screen. This can cause eye strain in them and disturbed sleep patterns also. In the long run, it will affect their eye power also and cause symptoms of eye strain too. Hence, it is necessary to protect your child’s eyes from the harmful wavelengths of certain lights on the screen. Certain measures mentioned in this article can be helpful, like protective eyewear, the 20-20-20 rule, etc. You can consult a physician or specialist online to know more details on this topic.
