Tambov branch of IRTC “Eye Microsurgery”: vision in children

Answers to current questions about children’s vision Sergey Vyacheslavovich Belikov.

It is important to practice in good lighting. The light should not be too dim or, conversely, bright. Correct seating at the table is also important. When studying at school, the child should use the time allotted for recess, including in order to give rest to his eyes, and not play, for example, with a phone or tablet, since a person experiences visual stress at close range.

Natural lighting is physiologically necessary and most favorable for a person. However, it is the uniformity of the room illumination that plays an important role. Dramatic differences in illumination should be avoided. The workplace should, if possible, be by the window. If this is not possible for any reason, the work lighting should be bright, cover the entire table, not create contrasting shadows, and not give glare or direct rays to the eyes. For this, it is recommended to use table lamps with opaque or opaque lampshades, as well as bright ceiling lamps that are well above the level of vision. The light source should be on the left if the child is right-handed, and on the right if the child is left-handed. The distance from the eyes to the book / notebook is 35-40 cm.

It all depends on how high the child’s visual acuity is with glasses. Children whose visual acuity is incomplete on the background of spectacle correction should sit closer (1-2 desks).

Recommendations on this issue are very extensive and depend on the type of disease and its degree, if any. In their work, ophthalmologists are guided by guidelines on contraindications to sports for people with eye diseases “Admission to physical culture and sports in diseases of the organ of vision.”

In the modern world of technological progress, just limiting the use of gadgets and computers “not for business” can bring significant benefits. However, do not forget to take at least 3-5 minute breaks every 40-60 minutes of class (reading / writing).

Simple and helpful exercises to help relieve eye strain

It is necessary to visit a specialist in a timely manner (in the absence of complaints) at least once a year. If the child’s parents are diagnosed with such eye diseases as myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness) and astigmatism, it is recommended to visit an ophthalmologist once every six months and pay increased attention to the child’s vision, pay attention to his complaints.

Rapid visual fatigue and redness of the eyes associated with visual stress often indicate the presence of a disease. In no case do you need to self-medicate! With such complaints, you must immediately undergo a diagnostic examination by an ophthalmologist. The doctor will provide the correct advice in each case. Delay can lead to decreased vision.

Of course, uncontrolled pastime for gadgets is contraindicated. However, the child can complete, for example, homework on a tablet or computer, if required by the school program. The same breaks every 40-60 minutes of classes are important. You can devote time to visual gymnastics, ventilate the room.

Subject to the recommendations on the mode of wearing, lens care and personal hygiene rules, it is safe for children to use contact lenses. And this type of lens, as orthokeratological, is even indicated for use in children from 6 years old in order to inhibit the progression of myopia. An important role is played by the psychological attitude of the child and parents to contact correction. If you decide to wear contact lenses, you should first see your ophthalmologist or optometrist.

Signs that indicate a decrease in visual acuity or the presence of any disease are most often the inability of the child to read the inscriptions seen by parents with normal visual acuity, as well as squinting when examining text or objects located at some distance (often noticed by teachers). The child began to come closer, for example, to the TV, which had not happened before. School performance may be reduced if the child does not see and confuses the letters on the chalkboard. Problems also occur at close range – the child does not see the cage in the notebook, complains about a “blurry” image up close; redness of the eyes and increased visual fatigue when reading / writing are noted, which may increase in the evening, after school. With deep decompensation, these symptoms and complaints may occur even after a short visual load.

On behalf of the Tambov branch of the IRTC “Eye Microsurgery” them. Academician S. N. Fedorov, and on my own behalf, I wish all students good grades, good health and excellent eyesight!