Computer Usage

Computers have become an integral part of our daily life. Computer use of children should be kept under control in order not to spoil the eye health. Impaired vision quality due to computer use is interpreted as eyestrain. Tired and aching eyes, blurred vision, dryness, watering, itching, burning and stinging, redness, difficulty focusing, double vision, seeing light scattering, sensitivity to light, headache and dimming eyes are the most common symptoms of eye problems.

In particular, the occurrence of these symptoms in front of the computer, computer-related eye fatigue should consider. The frequency and severity of these symptoms may vary depending on the work environment and habits.

The person who has these symptoms should first be examined and information about eye health should be obtained because the biggest cause of these symptoms is the refractive errors in the eyes. Determining whether defects such as myopia, hypermetropia, astigmatism are present, correcting them with glasses or lenses is the first stage of treatment. Depending on the increase in eye disorders, glasses or lenses that are already used may cause eye fatigue. Contrary to what is commonly known in the public, computer use does not disturb the eyes as long as the working conditions are not too bad.

At this point, it is worth mentioning some suggestions about how the computer environment should be:

1- Eliminate light sources that reflect directly in your eyes. Set up a seating arrangement where the sun won’t hit your eyes. Take precautions against indirect glare from any reflection on the display screen. Be sure to position the light source as far back and shoulder angle as possible. You can better understand the glare from your computer screen when the screen is off. Turn off the screen and observe glares. Try to use ceiling lights instead of table lamps. If you set the angle of the computers and the glare continues, try using a curtain or roller. Eliminate any light sources that can cause light flickering, and ensure that your existing light sources are not flickering.

2- Screen filters can be used if the glow problem cannot be solved. There are screens that reduce glare, but these screens may adversely affect image sharpness.

3- Keep in mind that darker backgrounds are more clearly and accurately readable.

4- Use large puntos and avoid scattered screenshots.

5- The eyes should be rested for 15 minutes each hour. Children should also take 10-second resting intervals every ten minutes. Allow them to walk around or look far away at this time.

6- Children should be reminded that they should blink frequently when using a computer. Continuously looking at the screen and not blinking can create complaints such as stinging because it will bacause of dry eye.

8- Try different colors and punto and try to find the most comfortable combination for the child.

9- Dust accumulates on the screen due to static electricity. Because of this, the screen should be cleaned regularly with antistatic spray and cotton cloth.

10- If your child is a regular computer user, have them go for an eye examination every year.