"Don't sit for hours at the computer, you'll ruin your eyes" - that's what parents often say to their children. We decided to learn more about the harm of computers for eyesight and found one interesting study. We will tell you about it and give you some useful advice.
Many people think that sitting at a computer often causes myopia (myopia) to develop and vision to deteriorate. There are no precise studies, and scientists have different opinions. But all studies say one thing: even if there is harm, it is easy to protect yourself.
Myopia. If you stare at an object up close for several hours, the lens of the eye freezes and gradually loses its ability to focus on the far distance. This can lead to myopia. But the solution to the problem is very simple - you need to break away from the monitor and transfer your gaze to objects in the distance.
Harm from the monitor. LCD monitors are as safe as possible for your eyes. You just need to adjust the brightness. It should not be lower or higher than the brightness in the room where the computer is standing. If the screen glares, it is better to use a matte filter. There should be at least 45 cm between the child and the monitor.
Dry mucous membranes. If a child stares at a screen for 4-5 hours, he may blink less often, and this dries out the mucous membrane of the eye. But one to two hours at the computer won't harm a child's eye. According to Laurie Gray Barber, MD, the eye strain from computer work, reading, drawing, doing puzzles, and other activities that require concentration is the same. So there's no reason to be wary of computers specifically.
If a child complains that it hurts to blink, his eyes "feel like sand has been poured in them" or his eyes often become red - this is a signal that the child spends more time than he should on gadgets. What to do in such a case:
- Make sure that the monitor is at least 45 cm from your eyesand its brightness is set correctly.
- Set breaks. Half an hour on the computer or smartphone - 5 minute break. You can sit with your eyes closed or look at objects in the distance.
- Do eye exercises. You can invite your child to draw letters of the Russian alphabet, numbers, a house, a little man or a sun in the air with his eyes. And if you draw with your nose, it will help to relieve tension from the neck muscles.
