Prolonged periods working on computers may trigger computer vision syndrome. This could be down to glare on the screen, poor lighting, improper computer brightness and color, or a combination. Symptoms include eye irritation, blurry vision, headaches, back aches, neck aches, and muscle fatigue. A report just out describes how online school lessons caused headaches among schoolkids during COVID lockdown.
New Study Links Online School Lessons and Headaches
Medical News Life Sciences reports a fresh study before European Academy of Neurology Congress on June 26, 2022. This found a third of school children experienced worse headaches, or new-onset ones during online school lessons in the pandemic.
The authors ascribe the phenomenon to a combination of the following:
- Prolonged exposure to computer screens
- Lack of suitable conditions for online learning
- Doubting the quality and adequacy of the program
- Pressure arising from upcoming exams and tests
- Anxiety about the COVID virus and the pandemic
The headaches also caused knock-on effects in terms of mental health, and school achievement. Age, depression and anxiety aggravated the situation.
Practical Things Kids Can Do to Avoid This
The headaches arose from the physical experience, but the COVID situation aggravated them. Much work is already on file relating to computer vision syndrome generally. The Hub Spot blog summarizes ways to prevent the syndrome as follows:
- Take a fifteen-minute break every two hours. Eat a snack, have a conversation, walk the dog, anything that rests your eyes.
- Stay away from fluorescent, and bright lights while on a computer. Warmer and full-spectrum lights resemble natural sunlight.
- Reduce computer-screen glare from walls, windows, and bright lights. Close blinds to reduce the amount of light entering the room.
- Dust and dirt on a computer screen reduce sharpness and definition. Wipe it with a microfiber cloth to remove dust and fingerprints.
Finally, follow the 20-20-20 rule. Take a 20 second break every 20 minutes. Rest your eyes on an object 20 feet away as you do.
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