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sitting too close to the tv,does it affect eyesight?

9 replies

brimfull · 08/11/2006 19:58

if it does ds is in trouble.PLease any eye experts reassure me,so I can stop nagging him.

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SherlockLGJ · 08/11/2006 20:05

I told DS, he wouldn't listen, now look at the pickle he is in.

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brimfull · 08/11/2006 20:16

what a pixel to be in! hahahahaha

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Toady · 08/11/2006 20:52

bump, my DD does this

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theUrbanDryad · 09/11/2006 15:17

hi - i am an optometric clinical assistant & used to work for a high street opticians.

much to the annoyance of parents, i would often tell them that sitting close to the tv doesn't really damage eyesight. it's one of those myths, like eating carrots improves your eyesight. prolonged tv watching (like, over 4 hours) isn't good for a child, i wouldn't've thought, but i'm not a mum yet (7 months pg) so i wouldn't necessarily know.

does your ds have regular eyechecks? he needs to be seen every 12 months at least. it's free on the NHS until they're 16.

hth...xxx

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pablopatito · 09/11/2006 16:14

I would have thought that sitting on the floor and looking up at the telly would be bad for your eyes? If you sit really low and look up at something above you, you can feel your eyes straining, or at least your neck, no?

I'm no expert tho'.

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brimfull · 09/11/2006 16:17

he had an eye test a year ago that was fine

thanks,I'll stop nagging then

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theUrbanDryad · 10/11/2006 12:23

well, it's not great for your posture, and obviously prolonged tv watching has other risks attached to it...but there's no proof that (so long as you have the correct prescription in your specs, or wear them if you need them) it does any long term damage to your eyes.

man, parents used to get pissed off with me when i told them that at work!!

ggirl - make sure his eye tests are up to date, and that your ds is on a 12 month recall rather than a 6 month one. remember, if you're worried or he's getting headaches you can always bring him in sooner, they have to see him on the NHS cause he is under 16. if you're not happy with the diagnosis, see a different optometrist!

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franch · 10/11/2006 15:46

Do stop nagging him ggirl - my DH is an eye surgeon and says exactly the same as theUrbanDryad

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brimfull · 10/11/2006 19:28

thanks ,I will make sure he has his eyesight tested again soon.Loads of eyesight problems in my family.