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Computer Eyestrain in Kids Is Worth
More than 90 percent of the nation's 65 million school-age children use computers daily, whether in the classroom or at home, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
A recent Roper Starch poll reveals the typical American youngster now spends from one to three hours on the Internet each day.
There's little doubt computers are second nature to children and teenagers, but eyecare researchers warn excessive computer use can cause vision problems for youth, whose still-developing eyesight makes them especially vulnerable.
"Computers can be very useful and they're lots of fun," says doctor Pegueros. "But in my own practice, I've noticed overuse of the computer by kids often leads to eyestrain — and it can lead to severe headaches, as well."
Only a few years ago, the problem of computer vision syndrome (CVS) — which causes blurred vision and sore, dry eyes — was largely limited to adults in the workplace.
"These days, I'm seeing more and more kids with symptoms of CVS and that's troublesome," Dr. Pegueros says.
How widespread are computer-related vision problems among children? One recent University of California study found 30 percent of school-age computer users were at risk for CVS, headaches, eye fatigue and shoulder pain.
To prevent these problems in children, Dr. Pegueros recommends that parents:
 Put age-based daily limits on computer use by children.
Minimize glare by keeping the monitor clean and using an anti-glare filter.
Computers and Kids: The Recommended Daily Allowance
What is the maximum amount of time per day your child should spend on the computer to avoid eyestrain or worse?
Because younger eyes are still developing, the answer depends on your child's age. Here are suggested computer time limits doctor Pegueros, who also notes that these general guidelines could vary somewhat, depending on individual lifestyle preferences and tolerance for eyestrain.
| Age |
Suggested Time Limit |
| Under 10 |
30 minutes a day |
| 10-13 |
1 hour a day |
| 14-15 |
2 hours a day |
| 16-18 |
Parents' best judgment |
Encourage logged-on children to take 10-minute breaks hourly.
Make sure your child's computer screen is 20 to 24 inches from his or her face, and the child's feet touch the floor. Position the screen so the youngster is looking down at a slight angle while working.
If corrective lenses are prescribed for your child for computer use, make sure the child follows your eye doctor's recommended use. |
