CATEGORY: Health
Playing outside can help preserve children's eyesight
Nowadays, the time spent by children playing outside is decreasing more and more. On the contrary, the time spent in front of screens (computer, cell phone, tablet, etc.) is increasing and with it, the number of myopic children.
As a reminder, high screen consumption can lead to:
- Obesity risks
- Poor quality of sleep
- A decrease in school performance
- Risky behaviors (in older people)
- A delay in learning and social skills
With regard to vision, many studies demonstrate the link between exposure to prolonged concentration activities in near vision (mainly on screens) and the increased presence of myopia in children, sometimes even earlier and earlier.
Here are several recommendations from the Canadian Association of Optometrists:
Exposure to screens by age group
- 0 to 2 years: no exposure (notably because of the consequences on the development of social skills), with the exception of video calls with the presence of a parent.
- 2 to 5 years old: no more than one hour per day, age-appropriate, educational and supervised programs.
- 5 to 18 years old: ideally less than two hours a day for recreational purposes.
A break is needed
Every 30 to 60 minutes, take a break for another whole-body activity.
Outdoor activities: the best!
Several studies highlight the increase in cases of myopia in children and make the link with the fact that they spend less and less time playing outside.
It is therefore important to promote outdoor and/or outdoor activities as much as possible, in all seasons: walking, hiking, swimming, games, cycling, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, skiing, etc.
All that time spent outdoors has a real protective effect on children's eye health.
Also, remember the importance of children wearing sunglasses during these activities, even for toddlers.
Positioning the computer screen
To avoid eye strain, it is necessary to adjust the positioning of the screen and the child. Ideally, the top of the screen should be at eye level and sometimes a comfort adjustment may be necessary.
Making sure that there is no reflection on the screen and that the lighting in the room is neither too strong nor too weak will also help reduce eye strain (in children such as in adults).
Before bedtime, avoid screens
It is best to avoid using a screen from one hour before bedtime.
Similarly, it is not recommended to install a screen in the bedroom.
Regular eye exam
For children, optometrists recommend this examination frequency:
- 1 examination between 6 and 9 months
- 1 exam between 2 and 5 years old
- 1 exam per year from 6 to 19 years old.