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Writer's pictureVesna Pejic

Visual Stressors - Keep an eye out for them



Today, we want to give you some guidelines on which situations that make it difficult for your eyes to perform you should try to avoid.

In addition, we want you to know which strategies you can follow for your eyes (and therefore you) to perform at an optimal level.

The list might also be useful for teachers who have students with visual challenges in their classes.

AVOID

So, if you or your child suffer from visual problems, try to steer clear of the following:

  • Small print

  • Sustained near point work

  • Pages full of print with low line spacing

  • Crowded text that is close together

  • Flickering fluorescent lights

  • Copying from chalkboard to paper on desk


TELL THE TEACHER

Talk to the teacher about your child's challenges and try to ensure that your child:

  • Does not need to read in front of the class without prior warning

  • Gets enough time to think when asked a question

  • Might require eye contact when spoken to

  • Can avoid timed tests (or get more time for tests)

  • Giving right/left instructions to students with poor directionality

  • Can copy text written in dark ink on overhead projectors/white boards

  • Is allowed more time for copying from the board and/or can move closer to the chalkboard - ideally, material to be copied would be placed on his/her desk...

  • Does not write before developmentally ready .

VISUAL RELIEF

By implementing these changes into everyday work and tasks, you can help your child / student / yourself and thus support your eyes:

  • Choose a larger print for documents

  • Plan and time visual breaks during sustained near point work (set your alarm after 20 minutes and make sure you take a 5-minute 'eye-break')

  • Increase the font on mobile devices

  • Reduce the number of items on the page

  • Use “fat” pencils and crayons or special pencil grips

  • Work on slanted reading surfaces

  • Work under natural lighting or full spectrum light bulbs

  • Use “highlighter” pens to help with reading

  • Take proper breaks - which means: don't go on other screens but do something physical!

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