Simple Tips on How To Reduce Computer Eyestrain on Your Child

Computer eyestrain is a common complaint among office workers, regardless of job, age or gender. With the growing popularity of computer use at home and in school, even children are now at risk.

The underlying cause of the problem is the eyes inability to focus accurately at the distance of the computer screen, eye experts say. This is because of the soft edged characteristics of the pixels that make up the words and images on the screen.

If your child suffers from computer eyestrain, follow these tips:

Don't ignore the problem; see an eye doctor. Those who suffer from symptoms of eyestrain. Frequent headache, tired, dry or burning eyes, blurred or double vision should see an eye care professional who can evaluate their eyes and prescribe eyeglasses to alleviate the stress.

Use proper lighting. Glare on walls and finished surfaces, reflections on the computer screen, outside light and bright interior lights can all add to computer eyestrain. Close drapes or blinds. Reduce lighting by using fewer light bulbs or fluorescent tubes (or by lowering their intensity). Use an anti-glare computer screen.

Modify your child's study area. Adjust the chair so your child views the computer screen from a 10 to 20 degree angle. Place written pages on a copy stand adjacent to the monitor and light them with desk lamp if necessary, keeping that light off the screen.

Remind him to take frequent brakes. Experts recommend taking a 15 minute break for every 2 hours of work.

Teach him to refocus his eyes. Train him to look away from the computer screen every 10 or 15 minutes and focus for several seconds on a distant object. This allows him to blink, which wets his eyes. Dry eyes can lead to further discomfort.

Remind him to blink more often. Because computer users blink about five times less frequently than normal, tell your child to make a conscious effort to blink while working at the computer.

3 tips you can to do check your childs eyesight

Although going to a doctor is the best choice for this, but there are also some ways that you can check to determine if your child has a problem with their eyesight.

1. CAMERA TRICK. Take a good look at a photo of your child. The flash of the camera should reflect in your child's eye. If this does not fall on the same spot in both eyes, there's a possibility your child's eye are misaligned. Also if you're checking for red eye in photos, both eyes must show the same color. If one of his eyes has a different color, then it would be best to consult your ophthalmologist.

2. FLASH OF LIGHT. Shine a flashlight on your child's eye. The reflex should also fall on the same spot on both eyes. If the spots are not in a similar location, then misalignment is possible.

3. PATCH ME UP. Cover on of your child's eye and ask him to focus on an object. After a while, move the patch to his other eye. If the other eyes moves while one is patched, then your child might have a problem with focusing.