Five tips for preventing children’s Computer Vision Syndrome:

Bill Nye, The Science Guy explains. 1. Make sure that your child has a comprehensive eye exam 2. Limit the time that your child continuously uses the computer or watches TV 3. Adjust the computer screen distance to 20 inches from the eyes, with the center 4-6 inches below the eyes 4. Reduce glare by lowering bright overhead lighting and adjusting the screen brightness to match the brightness of the room 5. Blink often. Blinking bathes the eyes in tears and reduces dryness * 90% of school-age children have computer access at home or in school and 54 million children in the United States use a computer for more than four hours a day. (U.S. Census) * This constant eye activity increases the risk of Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS), which causes eyestrain, headaches, and dry eyes. (VSP Vision Care) * 9 in 10 adults rate eyesight as the most important sense, yet more than half of children under 18 have never had an eye exam. In addition, by ages 12-17, almost half of U.S. children need prescription eyewear. (VSP Vision Care) Story Description: With fall here, children are spending more time indoors and on the computer. Whether theyre doing homework at school or on the family PC, or playing computer games, its important to keep their eyes healthy. New data shows that more than half of children spend more than four hours a day on the computer, which can lead to Computer Vision Syndrome. CVS causes eyestrain that can hurt classroom performance, and can cause frustration that results in behavioral problems. One of the most important things parents can do to help their child succeed is to take them for a comprehensive eye exam. From reading the blackboard to concentrating on tests, healthy vision is essential to ensuring your childs vision is in A+ shape. In this interview, Bill Nye the Science Guy will give your listeners the facts on Computer Vision Syndrome, and what steps you can take to make sure that your kids are seeing their best. Station Note: The funding sponsor of this segment is the not-for-profit company, http://www.VSPkids.com About Bill Nye: Bill Nye, scientist, engineer, comedian, author, and inventor, is a man with a mission: to help foster a scientifically literate society, to help people everywhere understand and appreciate the science that makes our world work. The “Bill Nye the Science Guy” persona came to life on comedy show, “Almost Live” in Seattle. Bill made a number of award winning shows, including the show he became so well known for, “Bill Nye the Science Guy.” While working on the Science Guy show, Bill won seven national Emmy Awards for writing, performing, and producing. The show won 28 Emmys in five years. Bill has also written five children’s books related to science. Bill Nye is the host of two currently-running television series. “The 100 Greatest Discoveries” airs on the Science Channel. “The Eyes of Nye” airs on PBS stations across the country. https://videos.whiteblox.com/gnb/secure/player.aspx?sid=35036