6 suggestions to protect the vision of children in front of the screens

6 suggestions to protect the vision of children in front of the screens


Find out how to avoid prolonged exposure and consequent impacts on eye health

The excessive use of screens by children worried the health specialists, especially in view of the increase in myopia and other eyes in the eye. This is because prolonged exposure can have significant impacts on the vision of children.




According to the Brazilian company of Ophthalmopediatrics, the exposure time to the screens should be controlled according to the age group of children and adolescents. Children under the age of 2 should not have contacts with screens. In 2 and 5 years, the use should be limited to 1 hour per day, while between 6 and 10 years the ideal is 1 to 2 hours.

Already teenagers between 11 and 18 years of age can use electronic devices for a maximum of 2-3 hours a day. However, reality often goes beyond these recommendations, requesting more attention from parents and tutors.

Myopia and other impacts of the eyes

The main consequence of Excessive use of screens In children it is the increase in myopia. Prolonged exposure to digital devices can change the growth of the eyeball, resulting in a progressive difficulty of seeing from afar.

In addition, excessive proximity to the screen can lead to strabismo, a misalignment of the eyes caused by the continuous effort to concentrate on very close images. Another frequent problem is the fatigue of digital eyes, characterized by red eyes, dryness and headache.

“Prolonged and on pause can lead to an increase in childhood myopia, a condition that has grown a lot”, warns Dr. Lucia Passos, ophthalmopediatric of the Israelian association Fortunee De Picciotto, which strengthens the need for a doctor. “Parents must be aware and take exams regularly. If they make something different, the ideal is to see a doctor.”



The managers should lead children to periodic consultations with an ophthalmologist to detect any change in the vision

Preventive measures for the use of screens

To minimize the impacts of the screens, the experts of the Israeli Fortuna De Picciotto association recommend the parents and guardians to take some preventive measures with children:

  1. Respect the recommended times: Avoid excess exposure, following the guidelines of the Brazilian company of Ophthalmopediatrics;
  2. Strengthen frequent breaks: Every 20 minutes of use, the child should look at a point away for at least 20 seconds. It is also important to remember children with the eyelids;
  3. Keep the correct distance: Cell phones and tablets should be at least 30 cm from the eyes, while the televisions must be more than 2 meters away;
  4. Regulates shine and contrast: Configure devices for more comfortable levels and activate blue light filters;
  5. Encourage outdoor activities: Studies indicate it outdoor About 2 hours a day significantly reduces the risks caused by an excessive exposure to the screens on children;
  6. Consult an ophthalmologist regularly: Periodic tests help to detect any change in vision soon.

“The ideal is to follow the recommendations and not exceed the limits to preserve the health of the children’s eyes. It is worth remembering that the excessive time of the screens is also directly related to a sedentary routine with consequences for the general health of the children, such as diabetesObesity and other problems “, concludes Dr. Lúcia Passos.

By Carla Monteiro

Source: Terra

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