Online Learning Increases Nearsightedness Students should actively protect their eyes.
With the increasing popularity of online learning, the eye strain on children and adolescents has significantly increased. This is especially true for teenagers who are in a critical period of visual development; prolonged screen time can easily lead to vision problems. Therefore, the Hong Kong Outstanding Youth Association, the Asia-Pacific Journal of Ophthalmology, and other organizations have issued a joint statement.Bright Eyes ProjectThe charity foundation jointly organized the "Fighting COVID" and Eye Care Campaign in schools across Hong Kong, promoting knowledge about epidemic prevention and eye care through a variety of activities.
Organizing Committee Chairman Dr. Lam Shun-chiu pointed out that when learning online, students need to stare at computer screens for extended periods, significantly reducing their blinking frequency. This accelerates tear evaporation, leading to eye fatigue and increasing the risk of myopia. He suggested that after each online class, students should look at something at least 20 feet (about 6 meters) away and try to view green scenery.Relax your eyesIf space is limited, you can place a mirror in front of you and observe the scene behind you through the mirror, which can effectively extend the line of sight.
Regarding reading habits, Dr. Lin recommends maintaining proper viewing distance: about 30 centimeters when reading books and about 70 centimeters when using electronic screens. In addition, students can develop the habit of doing eye exercises daily to relax their eye muscles. For online classes, he suggests teachers limit each class to about 30 minutes and remind students to relax their eyes during breaks. When students return to school, schools should adjust the teaching schedule appropriately and increase outdoor activity time, which will not only strengthen epidemic prevention awareness but also help protect eyesight.
Dr. Chen Jianqiang, co-chair of the organizing committee, introduced the event's rich content, including a mask design competition, a T-shirt design competition, an online quiz on epidemic prevention and eye protection knowledge, and a competition to perform the event's theme song. Outstanding participants will not only receive generous prizes such as tablets, but will also have the opportunity to participate in the "Greater Bay Area Innovation and Technology Student Study Tour" free of charge after the pandemic, visiting renowned technology companies such as Tencent and Huawei. A dedicated website has been established for the event, providing a one-stop platform for epidemic prevention information, making it convenient for citizens to access relevant knowledge.
This activity especially encourages parents and children to participate together, which can enhance parent-child relationships and allow them to learn about epidemic prevention and eye protection together. Through an edutainment approach, children and teenagers can develop good eye habits in a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere, working together to protect their vision health.
