Description

Children’s computer use

Computers have become an integral part of our daily
life. Children’s use of computers should be kept under control to prevent
deterioration of their eye health. The deterioration in the eye itself or
in the quality of vision due to computer use is interpreted as eye
strain. Tired and aching eyes, blurred vision, dryness, tearing, itching,
burning and stinging in the eyes, redness, difficulty focusing, double vision,
seeing light scattering, sensitivity to light, headache, squinting are the most
common symptoms of eye problems.

Especially the occurrence of these symptoms in front of a
computer should suggest computer-related eye strain. The frequency and
severity of these symptoms may vary according to the working environment and
habits.

The person with these symptoms should first be examined
and learn about eye health; Because the biggest cause of these symptoms
are refractive errors in the eyes (the number defect that requires wearing
glasses and lenses). Determining whether there are defects such as myopia,
hypermetropia, astigmatism and correcting them with glasses or lenses is the
first step of the treatment. Due to the increase in the number of eyes,
the insufficiency of the currently used glasses or lenses can also cause eye
fatigue. Contrary to popular belief, computer use does not disturb the
eyes unless working conditions are too extreme. It only mediates the
manifestation of a refractive error that is present.

At this point, it is useful to mention some suggestions about how the
working environment where the computer is located should be

1- Eliminate the light sources directed directly at your
eyes in the working environment. Establish a seating arrangement where the
sun does not hit your eyes directly. Take precaution against indirect
glare caused by any reflections on the display screen. Be careful to
position the light source so that it falls on the display screen or work table
from behind and shoulder height as much as possible. You can better
understand the glare reflected from your computer screen when the screen is
off, turn the screen off and observe the glare. Try to use ceiling lights
instead of table lamps. If glare continues even though you adjust the
angle of the computers, try using curtains or blinds. Eliminate any light
source that can cause light flickering, make sure your existing light sources
don’t flicker either.

2- If the glow problem cannot be solved, the screen
filters can be removed and attached to the screen. There are screens that
reduce glare, but these screens can also negatively affect image sharpness.

3- Remember that texts written in light font on darker
backgrounds are more readable for the eyes and provide more accurate reading.

Use large fonts and try to avoid messy screenshots.

5- For every hour of computer use, eyes should be rested
for 15 minutes. Children should be taught that they should give “eye
glasses” while using computers. Children also need to take 10-second
breaks every ten minutes. Have them walk around or look at very distant
spots during this rest period.

6- Children should be reminded to blink frequently while
using computers. The eyes constantly looking at the screen and not
blinking may cause complaints such as stinging as it will cause dry eyes.

7- Users should look at the computer at an angle of ten
to twenty degrees below the horizontal plane of eye level. To do this,
have your child look forward and adjust the screen height so that the child
will have to slightly slide their eyes down to see.

8- Try to find the most comfortable combination for the child by trying different colors and fonts.

9- Dust accumulates on the screen due to static
electricity. Therefore, the screen should be cleaned regularly with an
antistatic spray and a lint-free cloth.

10- If your child is a regular computer user, have him / her have an eye exam every year.