Viewing a computer or digital screen often makes the eyes work harder. As a result, the high visual demands of computer and digital screens makes many Children susceptible to the development of vision-related symptoms.
Viewing a computer or digital screen is different than reading a printed page. Often the letters on the computer or digital device are not precise, contrast of the letters with respect to the background, the presence of glare and reflections on the screen may make viewing difficult.

Viewing distances and angles used for E learning are also often different from those used for reading or writing. As a result, the eye focusing and eye movement for digital screen viewing can place additional demands on the visual system.

In addition, the presence of even minor vision problems can often affect performance at a computer or while using other digital devices. Uncorrected or under corrected vision problems can be major contributing factors to computer-related eyestrain.

Some Children tilt their heads for looking at a computer. Or they bend towards the screen in order to see clearly. Their postures can result in muscle spasms or pain in the neck, shoulder or back.

The symptoms of Digital strain or computer vision syndrome (CVS) occur because the visual demands of the task exceed the visual abilities of the individual. Children who spend two or more continuous hours at a computer or using a digital screen device every day are more susceptible for developing CVS or Digital eye strain.

DIGITAL EYE STRAIN OR COMPUTER VISION SYNDROME (CVS)

It is a group of eye and vision-related problems results from prolonged computer, tablet, and cell phone use. Many children may experience eye discomfort and vision problems when viewing digital screens for extended periods.

The most common symptoms are

Eyestrain
Headaches
Blurred vision
Dry eyes
Neck and shoulder pain

These symptoms may be caused by:

Poor lighting
Glare on a digital screen
Improper viewing distances
Poor seating posture
Uncorrected vision problems

Many of the visual symptoms will be temporary and declines after stopping computer work or use of the digital device. However, some individuals may experience continued reduced visual abilities, such as blurred distance vision. If nothing is done to address the cause of the problem, the symptoms will continue to recur and perhaps worsen with future digital screen use.

Extended viewing of digital devices can also affects sleep cycle, the blue light emitted from screens can push back sleep to 2–3 hours. Too much screen exposure can even impair social and communication skills.

VIEWING THE COMPUTER FOR E- LEARNING

Some important factors in preventing or reducing the symptoms of CVS have to do with the computer and how it is used.

· Location of computer screen -The computer screen should be 15 to 20 degrees below eye level (about 4 or 5 inches) as measured from the center of the screen and 20 to 28 inches from the eyes.

Lighting — Position the computer screen to avoid glare, particularly from overhead lighting or windows.
Anti-glare screens — use a screen glare filter. These filters decrease the amount of light reflected from the screen.

Seating position — Chairs should be comfortably padded. Chair height should be adjusted so that feet rest flat on the floor. A proper arm support should be provided, the wrists shouldn’t rest on the keyboard when typing.

Rest breaks — To prevent eyestrain, Give rest to the eyes for 15 minutes after two hours of continuous computer use.

Blinking — To minimize the chances of developing dry eye, make an effort to blink frequently. Blinking keeps the front surface of the eye moist.

PRACTICES FOR HEALTHY EYE

· Water — Adequate amount of water is vital for eye health, drinking water can prevent dehydration and reduce symptoms of dryness.

· Healthy diet- Include the below mentioned in the diet

1. Carrots — Rich in Vitamin A
2. Fruits — Mangoes. Papaya , Banana
3. Broccoli — contains antioxidants and carotenoids
4. Spinach — Rich in minerals and anti-oxidants
5. Dry fruits like Almonds, walnuts- Contains more vitamin c, Vitamin A
6. Fish — High amount of Omega 3 Fatty acids

· Try 20–20- 20 Rule — Ask the child to Look at something 20 feet away, every 20 minutes for 20 seconds .
· Encourage kids to look outside the window and ask them to count 5 objects they see, every 30 minutes.
· Spectacles with anti- reflective coating helps to cut off the blue light from LED devices.
· Physical Activity — Increase physical activates like yoga, aerobics, dancing etc..
· Palming — It reduces eye strain, ask the child to sit comfortably with eyes covered by palms and elbow resting on a pillow.
· Trip to a park- This provides better relaxation to the eyes as the child will focus on near and far objects which is otherwise restricted to only near vision in indoors.
· Encourage Children to indulge in other activities like board games.

EYE EXERCISES FOR BETTER VISION

· Up And Down — Ask the child to move their eyeballs up and down for 5 times.
· Side To Side — Ask the child to move the eye balls to the sides for 5 times.
· Nose To Thumb — Ask the child to place the hands straight out with the thumbs up, ask them to look at the tip of their nose first and then thumbs, repeat it for 5 times.
· Clock rotation — Ask the child to rotate their eyeballs clockwise and anti-clockwise for 5 times each.

AYURVEDA AND EYE CARE

Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine has mentioned many treatments and therapies to get relief from Digital eye strain and CVS. The treatments mentioned in Ayurveda will manage the strain and protect the eyes. These therapies will arrest the progression of symptoms further developing into vision problems.
The treatments may include

1. Aschothanam and Bandhanam — In this procedure the medicine is instilled as drops in open eyes and bandaging is done in the eyes for 1 hr. .
2. Tharpanam — It is a rejuvenation treatment for eyes, in which medicated oils or ghee is allowed to stay in the eyes.
3. Eye wash — a special cleansing procedure for eyes using medicated liquids.
4. Eye massage — Helps to relive eye strain.
“The American Academy Of Pediatrics recommends zero screen activity till a child is two years old, between 2–6 years, 1 hour of interactive screen time is recommended. After 6 years only 2 hours is recommended“
“Vision is precious, care your Eyes “