There is a lot of conflicting information regarding the monitor’s light and young eyes. Some people say you should never let your child look at a computer screen, while others claim that monitors are fine as long as you follow some simple tips. So, what’s the truth?
Light can be powerful and is even used for treating some medical conditions. So, it is essential to understand the influence of the light on our well-being. Heliotherapy institute helps with that by providing valuable guides and tips.
This article will explore the dangers of a monitor’s light and offer some helpful tips for keeping your child’s eyes safe.
Symptoms of too much screen time for kids
In today’s age of screens everywhere, too much time using them isn’t just bad for adults – it can also be harmful to kids. While no medical condition is known as “screen time addiction,” specific symptoms may indicate your child being over-exposed to screens. These include:
- Irritability and moodiness;
- Headaches;
- Dry eyes;
- Blurry vision;
- Issues with sleeping or concentration;
- Feeling anxious when not using screens;
- Lose interest in other activities that they used to enjoy;
- Struggling to complete schoolwork or homework assignments.
If you notice any of these symptoms in your child, it may be time to discuss their screen usage.
Main steps to protect young eyes from the monitor
Screens and monitors catch the world in the 21st century. The situation with the pandemic makes it worse. We work at home, our children study online, and we all stare at the monitors almost 24/7. But it’s time to change this by adding simple rules to our lives to protect children’s vision.
If you are concerned about the effects of blue light on your children’s eyes, you can take some simple steps to help protect them.
Create screen time rules
It’s necessary to set some ground rules regarding screen time. It will help your child avoid spending too much time looking at a screen, which can harm their eyesight.
- Try to limit screen time to two hours or less per day.
- You should also create a rule that screens must be turned off at least an hour before bedtime. It will help your child wind down and get a good night’s sleep.
- Ensure your child takes breaks every 20 minutes or so when using a computer or other device. They can use this time to move around and give their eyes a break from the screen.
- Set up the parent’s control on devices to limit their usage.
Adjust screen and room brightness
You can protect kids’ eyes by making a few simple adjustments to the brightness of the computer screen and the lighting in your room.
- Use dimmed lighting in your child’s room during the evening hours. It will help reduce the amount of blue light their eyes are exposed to.
- Increase the font size and zoom the web pages to protect the kid from squinting at the screen.
- Adjust the contrast and brightness of the monitor to feel comfortable.
- Invest in an anti-glare screen for your monitor. It will help reduce the amount of blue light that reflects off the screen and into the child’s eyes.
Minor changes to the amount of light you’re exposed to can help reduce eye fatigue and strain.
Screen size and distance
The screen size matters when it comes to the amount of light emitted. A larger screen will emit more light than a smaller one. The distance from the eyes also plays a role. The further away you are, the less light will reach your eyes.
- A good rule of thumb is to sit about arm’s length away from the monitor. It should give your child a clear screen view without causing eye fatigue.
- It would help if you also encouraged children to blink often, as it helps keep the eyes lubricated and prevents dryness.
- Ensure the computer screen is at eye level, so they don’t have to strain their neck to see it.
Supervise a posture
One way to help prevent eye strain is to ensure your child is sitting up straight and not hunching over the computer screen.
- You can do a quick posture check by having your child sit with their back against the chair, feet flat on the floor, and shoulders relaxed.
- Their eyes should be level with the top of the monitor.
- If they need to adjust their position, have them take a break for a few minutes to walk around and stretch before getting back to work.
If your child complains of headaches, blurry vision, or trouble focusing, it’s essential to take them to the doctor to rule out any underlying health issues. These could be signs of a more severe problem that needs to be addressed.
Use screen protection
There are a few ways you can protect young eyes from the harmful blue light given off by screens.
- Use screen filters or dimmers. Many computers and smartphones allow you to adjust the brightness and color of your screen. It can help reduce the amount of blue light that reaches your eyes.
- Install software that filters out blue light on child’s devices. These programs change the screen’s color temperature to reduce blue light exposure in the evening.
- Screen protection overlays a filter that may help limit potentially harmful blue light from devices without changing the color integrity.
- Invest in a good pair of computer glasses. These special-purpose glasses have a yellow tint that helps to block out blue light. But first, consult with the doctor.
Schedule screen-free time every day
Having screen-free time every day is crucial, especially for young children. It means no TV, no computers, and no phones. During this time, kids can play outside, read books, or do any other activity that doesn’t involve screens.
- It gives kids a break from the constant stimulation of screens.
- It allows them to use their imaginations and be creative.
- It gives parents a chance to interact with their kids without distractions.
Stop using smartphones before bedtime
If your children use smartphones before bedtime, it is essential to stop. The blue light emitted from the screen of any device can disrupt children’s natural sleep cycle. It can make it difficult to fall asleep and cause them to wake up feeling tired. It also suppresses the release of melatonin more than any other type of light. Reading a book with your child before bed would be better than using a device.
Don’t forget about the diet
While it’s essential to take breaks and give young eyes a rest, what kids eat also plays a role in eye health. Eating foods rich in antioxidants like vitamin C, zinc, and omega-three fatty acids can help protect their vision.
- Make sure your child eats plenty of leafy green vegetables, eggs, and fish. These foods are rich in nutrients that are essential for healthy vision.
- You should also limit your child’s intake of sugary drinks and snacks. Too much sugar can lead to weight gain and diabetes, which can cause severe problems with vision.
Talk to their pediatrician or an ophthalmologist if you’re unsure what foods are best for your child’s eyesight. They can give you specific dietary recommendations based on your child’s needs.
Regular eye check-ups
As your child spends more time in front of a computer screen, it is vital to check their eyes regularly. Many vision problems can be corrected or improved if caught early.
A comprehensive eye exam includes:
- Testing for how well the eyes work together as a team, how well they focus, and how sharp the vision is.
- Check the internal structures of the eye for any abnormalities.
- Provide tips and advice on how to protect your child’s vision best.
If your child does need glasses, don’t worry! Many options are now that are much more stylish and comfortable than in years past. And with the help of an experienced doctor, you can find a pair that perfectly suits your child’s needs.
Summary
So there you have it! Our complete guide protects young eyes from screen light’s harmful effects. If you follow the tips, you’ll be well on protecting children’s young eyes from the harmful effects of blue light exposure. Remember, too much screen time can lead to eye fatigue and even permanent vision damage, so it’s essential to take breaks often and limit overall screen time. These simple tips can help keep your child’s eyes healthy and safe for years.
