Computers, tablets, smartphones, TV, video games ... It's not uncommon see our children look at a screen with their eyes fixed, almost without blinking. And that custom It can cause significant vision problems: from eye irritation to nearsightedness.
Although it is almost mission impossible to get them to connect, yes we can establish some use only and of course time, and Take care of your eye health with some simple measures.
Why is it harmful to stare at a screen?
The new generations seem to be born with an electronic device in their hands. Few are reluctant to watch cartoons on TV from an early age and even have them recorded on the tablet for trips. But the situation is complicated as they grow and have personal access to the different technological devices.
According to the 'Survey on Equipment and Use of Information and Communication Technologies in the Households' of the National Statistics Institute (INE), between 10 and 15 years children begin to use mobile. And from the age of 12, 75% already have one.
Too access the computer, practically all, according to the INE survey, from 10 years old. At that age, 88.4% already use it.
The Institut Català de Retina (ICR) explains that the eye needs to be permanently hydrated, a function that makes the tear and the blink. But sometimes, unconsciously, we modify it. So:
Keeping your eyes fixed in front of a screen reduces flickering and facilitates the evaporation of the tear. That causes the eye to hydrate worse and less frequently than it needs.
And the situation worsens if the screen is looked at a short distance and for a long time. Causes not to work long distance vision, and can lead to myopia.
In Babies and more Spanish children under seven are more nearsighted by the use of screensICR gives us some tips to take care of your eyes as they deserve.
1. Rest the view
Surely you've heard of the 20-20-20 rule that consists of resting every 20 minutes for about 20 seconds and looking at 20 meters away.
If you have to work with your computer or we are more permissive on the weekends, make sure that you rest your eyes on a regular basis.
2. Maintain an adequate distance
The distance between your eyes and mobile screen or the tablet should be greater than 40 centimeters.
The safety distance between your view and a computer It is a minimum of 70 centimeters.
3. Screen at eye level
The device does not matter: the eyes will suffer less if the screen is at the same height as the eyes, or a little lower.
The explanation: if you have to look up to look at the screen, it will also open your eyes more. That translates into greater exposed eye area and, therefore, greater evaporation of the tear.
4. Anti-reflective device
It is important that the screen you are looking at has a good resolution, a good contrast and, above all, that it is anti-reflective, to avoid light reflections.
5. Do not use in the dark
Looking at a screen, whatever it is, can be very harmful if done in the dark. The pupil opens to adapt to the environment in low light and, at the same time, receives a bright impact directly.
One of the best sites to look at a screen ands in front of a window: Improves lighting and facilitates eye breaks.
6. Adequate temperature
The tear of the eyes can evaporate faster if the room's atmosphere is very warm.
And if it is very dry, it can cause the eyes to dry out and rub them more. Something to avoid because the cornea weakens.
We hope you find these tips useful, because you already know that sometimes, when you can't beat the enemy, you have to join him ... but with caution!
Photos | iStock
