“It is really harmful for children”, ophthalmologist Klaver told EditieNL. “The eye is growing during childhood. You can influence that growth with your living conditions.”
The ophthalmologist therefore warns against limiting screen time. Looking at nearby objects for a long time can cause negative eye development. It is best if children adhere to the 20-20-2 rule. “Looking at a screen for twenty minutes and then looking into the distance for twenty seconds. And outside for two hours a day.”
Fatigue
For adults, it can do less harm, but the long screen time can cause fatigue. “We have been staring continuously at a screen for far too long. You are then only focusing on that and blink less often. The eye is then not lubricated enough,” explains Anneke Jansen of the Eye Association. “You get very tired of that.”
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That will be a vicious circle. “Tired eyes cause drier eyes, which in turn causes more fatigue,” says Jansen.
Screen breaks
It is good to be aware of that. “The only tip there is really: take enough screen breaks. Get off that computer.”
That may seem simple, but working from home makes it more difficult. For example, you no longer walk to the coffee machine where you have a chat with a colleague. “While you use your eyes differently”, says Jansen.
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At home you have less distraction, so you keep going longer and look more at one point. “That requires a constant focus on your eyes. That’s not necessarily wrong, but quite intensive.”
This is even more strenuous with a telephone. “You have to try harder to watch. A larger screen has more range. But whatever screen you have, the best tip remains: screen breaks.”
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