PSGA UIN Jakarta holds webinar

Rectorate, UIN News Online – Center for Gender and child study (PSGA) UIN Jakarta holds webinar entitled “Menjaga Kesehatan Mata Anak di Masa Pandemi Covid-19” on Friday (06/05/2020). The webinar, which officially opened by the Rector of UIN Jakarta Amany Lubis was attended by many PSGA activists in Indonesia. Also present in the event, the Head of PSGA UIN Jakarta, Ulfah Fajarini.

This webinar presents an eye specialist from Kebumen Eye Center Purbowangi Hospital, Central Java, Dr. Desrina SpM as the speaker. According to Desrina, since the beginning of Covid-19 outbreak, most activities are now carried out at home. No exception for children who have to study from home (distant learning) by using various electronic devices, such as personal computers and tablets.

In a long term, it may actually cause problems in the child's eye health, ranging from tired eyes to myopia or farsightedness. According to Desrina, one way to minimize the progression of myopia can be done by increasing outdoor activities during the day, at least about two hours per day. Alternatively, she said, the progression of myopia can be minimized by using atropine eye drops by 0.01%.

“However, it needs a prescription and supervision by an eye specialist,” she said.

Desrina also said, eye disorders caused by the use of computer-based devices are often called computer vision syndrome (CVS). Therefore, she suggested that parents should supervise their children when using gadgets.

There are several ways to limit the excessive screen time. First, encourage the children to do lots of outdoor activities. Natural light can stimulate the release of dopamine which is useful for preventing the growth of children’s myopia.

Second, limit the screen time to a maximum of only 30-45 minutes per session with adequate lighting. Third, make sure the reading distance is at least 30 centimeters, the monitor screen distance is 50 centimeters, and the TV viewing distance is at least 2 meters. Fourth, make sure the children do 3-10 minutes eye relaxation after 30-40 minutes of reading or doing homework.

“And finally, always do a refraction check periodically,” she said. (usa)