Heavy computer use can cause 'computer vision syndrome'

Heavy computer use can cause 'computer vision syndrome'

Children aged between 10-15 years are at risk from computer vision syndrome due to heavy computer use, causing eyestrain, fatigue, and headache, blurred near vision, and other associated symptoms like neck and backache, an ophthalmologist warned yesterday.

Dr Thapanawong Tanguraiwan, an ophthalmologist of Pra Nang Klao hospital, said many children were spending too much time at computer and other devices such as smartphone or tablet to surf the Internet.

Heavy computer use among children can cause a greater risk to health such as back pain, neck and headaches. They could develop nearsightedness, eye socket pain, and blurred vision, as they spend a lot of time looking at computer and smartphone screens closeup.

Additionally, they could develop aggressive and destructive behaviour from spending less time in social activities and talking to their family members.

He suggested children should limit their time before a computer screen to an hour a day. They should not use a computer in a dark room. Children should adjust the screen to the same brightness as the room they are using, and they should sit at least 1 metre from the screen.

According to the National Statistical Office, over 62.4 million Thais aged over 6 use computers and mobile devices to surf the Internet.

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