Screen time 🖥
🧐 Screen time & the impact
44% US children are using devices >4h a day; more than 2x the rate prior to the pandemic. A study of >120,000 children in China found significant increases in nearsightedness for children aged 6-8 while at home Jan-May. For 6-year-olds, the rate of myopia after lockdown was almost 4x the highest rate since 2015
⚠️ The risks of myopia
It is costly to correct, in terms of eye exams, glasses and contact lenses but also risks vision entirely through retinal tears, cataracts and macular degeneration. We must also be aware of Computer Vision Syndrome, also known as "digital eye strain', which is characterised by blurred vision, dry eyes and neck & shoulder pain. With more screen time there is greater risk and a survey in India found 50% of children taking online classes already have it.
💭 What you can do about it
Implement the 20-20-20 rule: look 20+ feet in the distance for 20secs for every 20 minutes spent on the screen. You can break up your screen time with screen-free tasks like phone calls. Blink frequently, make sure you have an ergonomic workstation and consider getting a glare filter or blue filter glasses. Check out the video for more ideas!
♾ Break it down to habits
20-20-20 breaks
Hourly screen breaks
1-3 screen free tasks per day
