Child vision and gadgets: myths, safety rules

It is impossible to forbid a child to use a phone and a computer, because it has a bad effect on his health. And do gadgets really have such a negative impact on a child's vision? The expert opinion was shared by the doctor of the "Eximer" center, an ophthalmologist of the highest category, a member of the Association of Children's Ophthalmologists of Ukraine, Elena Varga.

Elena Varga

Leading specialist of the children's department of the "Eximer" center, doctor of the highest category, member of the Association of Children's Ophthalmologists of Ukraine, specialist in orthokeratological treatment.

It is difficult to imagine modern life without smartphones, tablets, and laptops. They are not only a source of entertainment and communication, but also of learning. Electronic textbooks, test assignments, homework, online lessons — all of this implies the use of gadgets. Another question is how much time the child spends on the Internet, how old he is, and whether the computer has replaced the whole world for him.

The main thing is to be able to keep a balance and know the basic rules of safe interaction with digital devices. And finally get rid of the preconceived notion that a phone or a computer will necessarily lead to vision loss. So, we refute the most common myths.

Myth 1. Gadgets are to blame for myopia in children

In fact, the device itself does not cause visual impairment. With excessive use, it can trigger other negative phenomena affecting the eyes:

• dryness, itching, redness;
• fatigue;
• deterioration of the retina.

Why do ophthalmologists prohibit or strictly regulate the time and conditions of using gadgets? The fact is that children have weak, incompletely developed connective tissue of the eye, which is responsible for the shape of the eyeball. When interacting with the screen, the intraocular muscles that ensure focusing at a certain distance are overstretched. Babies up to 5-6 years old are mostly farsighted, so they have to make a lot of effort to focus their vision at a close distance. Keep in mind that the eye does not move at the same time, it is strained, due to which the intraocular pressure increases. Under its action, the eyeball is stretched, and so myopia is formed over time. That's it, which is not critical for adults, has a significant negative impact on children.

Myth 2. A big screen will save the situation

Of course, the smaller the details, the more effort is needed to see them, and here the screen size matters. However, this applies only to children who already have vision problems. It is necessary to simply compensate minus (myopia) or plus (farsightedness) with glasses / lenses so that the eyes are not overstrained once again.On the other hand, the size of the monitor can play a positive role in maintaining a safe distance. Therefore, it is better to start cartoons or educational videos on the TV screen, and sit the child at a distance of 3-4 meters (depending on the diagonal). Thus, the intraocular muscles will be less strained, and the eyes will relax.

Seeing a child: truth and myths. Source: freepik

In this regard, phones, tablets, and even laptops lose because they all offer a short distance — the distance of an arm's length. Thanks to the autonomous keyboard, computers allow you to move the monitor away from your face. As a last resort, you can buy a separate laptop keyboard so that the child can study without harm to the eyes.

Myth 3. Radiation damages the retina

The point is not in radiation, because modern gadgets are made using safe technologies that create a minimal electromagnetic field, but in the light. Screens of digital devices emit blue light, which affects the photoreceptors, which can eventually affect the retina.

Therefore, when buying a gadget, consider whether it has a special filter. By the way, ophthalmologists recommend wearing protective glasses to adults who work at a computer all day. And remember: 2 hours before bedtime, you should not use your phone or laptop — the blue light of the screen prevents the production of melatonin, which is responsible for falling asleep and restoring the body.

Safety regulations

We have already understood that in order to preserve the child's vision, it is necessary to ensure the appropriate distance to the screen and control the time he spends on gadgets.

So how much can you interact with digital devices without harming your eyes?

Permitted time depending on age:

• Ophthalmologists generally do not recommend giving smartphones or tablets to children under 3-4 years of age. You can watch TV for a maximum of 5-10 minutes;
• preschoolers are allowed to play on the computer no more than half an hour a day;
• 7-10 years old — 15 minutes of working with a gadget during 1 lesson during training;
• 11-12 years old — 20 minutes, respectively;
• 13-14 years old - 25 minutes.

Every half hour you need to rest your eyes for 15 minutes. At this time, in order for the intraocular muscles to relax, it is better to look into the distance. There is a golden rule of ophthalmologists 20/20/20: after 20 minutes of working with gadgets, it is necessary to rest for 20 seconds, in particular, to focus on an object located at a distance of 6 meters (20 feet).

Vision of the child: safety rules. Source: freepik

Safe distance to the screen — 50-80 cm depending on the diagonal. Therefore, stands for smartphones, cases-stands for tablets and additional keyboards for laptops came in handy.

We take into account 7 more recommendations of an ophthalmologist!

Warm-up during breaks. So that the vascular system works well, the muscles do not spasm, and the back straightens, encourage the child to move. An ideal option is a walk in the fresh air for 2 hours (there is research that can prevent the development of myopia). By the way, active outdoor games, for example tennis, badminton, perfectly train accommodation: the eye follows the ball, focusing on different distances.

Mandatory vision correction glasses or lenses to reduce the tension of accommodation. The idea that because of glasses the eyes stop seeing well on their own is a very harmful myth.Good lighting . So that the eyes do not get tired, do not let the child play with the smartphone in the dark. Even during a power outage, provide additional lighting with LED lamps for studying using a laptop or another gadget. Remember that warm light is good for rest, cold light activates the eyes.

How to preserve a child's vision. Source: freepik

Ban read, watch or play on your smartphone in transport or lying down. While driving, it is difficult for the eye to focus on the image, so the intraocular muscles quickly tire. And in bed with a phone, the chest is compressed and blood circulation is disrupted, and the safe angle of inclination increases (it should be 45 degrees) and the eye muscles are subjected to additional stress.

Moisturizing drops . When we look at the screen and concentrate on the plot of a movie or read, we stop blinking. This leads to drying of the tear film, which has protective moisturizing functions. As a result, there are complaints of dryness, itching, redness of the eyes and even blurring of the image. Therefore, use moisturizing drops prescribed by a doctor for children.

Professional examinations! All ophthalmologists talk about this at every consultation. Examinations once an hour allow to detect vision disorders (myopia, farsightedness, astigmatism) and other problems (strabismus, amblyopia, asthenopia, dry eye syndrome) and to take measures in time. This can be prescription of glasses or lenses, including night vision, hardware treatment, selection of moisturizing drops, vitamin preparations, and even recommendations for physical activity. The specialist will also remind you of the safety rules for handling gadgets.