Back-to-school: The five-minute homework desk MOT for parents in Portsmouth

As children prepare to return to school, Optegra Eye Hospital Hampshire is advising parents to give their child’s homework space a five-minute MOT.

From the classroom to the homework desk, children’s eyes can spend much of the day constantly switching between different distances and visual tasks. And once they get home, there is often more close-up work to come from homework and reading to gaming.

Professor Clare O’Donnell, Head of Eye Sciences and Optometry at Optegra, says that a few simple changes to a child’s homework environment can make close-up work more comfortable. “Children get a real visual workout at school, constantly changing their focus as they look from the teacher to the board, then down to their books or a screen.

“By the time they sit down to do their homework, their eyes may already have had a very busy day. That doesn’t mean parents need to make dramatic changes or ban screens, but spending five minutes checking that their homework space is set up well can make a real difference to their comfort.”

She recommends these simple tips to give your child’s homework area a five-minute MOT:

1. Check the lighting

Make sure the desk isn't tucked away in a dark corner and that there is enough light to comfortably read and write. Try to avoid positioning a screen directly in front of a bright window, which can create distracting glare.

2. Check their sitting position

Your child should be sitting comfortably with their feet supported and their desk and chair at a suitable height. Their screen should be positioned so they aren't having to constantly tilt their head up or down to see it.

3. Check the screen distance

Make sure laptops and tablets aren't being held unnecessarily close to the face. Encourage your child to work at a comfortable viewing distance rather than leaning right into the screen.

4. Build in ‘look away’ breaks

After spending time concentrating on something close up, encourage your child to look away into the distance regularly. Looking away from their book or screen gives their eyes a chance to relax their focusing system.

5. Help their eyes switch off after school

After a day of visual concentration, some screen-free time outdoors can be a welcome change of focus. Good-quality sleep is also important for children’s overall wellbeing, including their eyes.

Professor O’Donnell adds: “The aim isn't to make parents worry about every minute their child spends looking at a screen or doing homework. It's about creating good habits and making their environment as comfortable as possible.

“And if your child regularly complains of headaches, blurred or double vision, eye discomfort or difficulty seeing the board at school, don't simply put it down to tiredness. Speak to your local optician and arrange a free NHS eye test.”

For more information about children’s eye health visit www.optegra.com