The visual system is composed not only of the eyes, but also of the visual pathways and the brain. This system facilitates the arrival of light and information to the brain, which is the one that processes, interprets, and memorizes this information.

All lobes of the cerebral cortex are involved in the processing of visual information, with more areas of the brain dedicated to vision than the combination of the other senses.

An 85% of the sensory information we receive is visual

Vision constitutes a whole series of learnings and skills that play a critical role throughout the entire formative period of children from the first day of life. That is why we must try to offer the best conditions for the full development of vision.

The eyes have a lot of work throughout the day: they have to calculate and focus at different distances, follow objects with unpredictable movements, measure speeds and adjust them to those of our own body continuously, read for hours and hours obtaining the maximum information. A deficient use of these skills can generate different visual problems.

1. You must sit correctly: feet supported on the floor and back straight. Avoid reading lying down, on the floor or in bed.
2. The furniture must be appropriate: the chair must be adjustable in height and the work table must be on an inclined plane of about 15º to 20º, this can also be achieved with a lectern.
3. Lighting is very important: you have to study with a light on the ceiling and another directly on the work surface, which does not shine directly into the eyes, does not dazzle and does not cast a shadow when writing. Place the desk lamp on the left if the person is right-handed and vice versa, and above the shoulder if possible.
4. The reading distance should not be too short. The ideal distance is approximately from the elbow to the knuckle of the index finger. The forearms must be supported on the work surface.
5. When performing close-up tasks, try to be aware of your surroundings.
6. You should not read with your head, but with your eyes. This may be a sign of a visual problem.
7. Place the work table, if possible, in front of a window. Interrupt prolonged visual activity in near vision by lifting your head and looking into the distance: rest for 3 minutes every 30 minutes.
8. Regarding television: avoid glare, it should never be watched with the room lights off and at a minimum distance of 2 meters. Limit TV viewing time to no more than 2 hours.
9. When traveling by car, bus or train, avoid any close-up tasks.
10. The diet should be rich in vitamin A (milk, carrots, plums, egg yolk), vegetables and fruits.
11. Outings to the countryside, to free or open spaces are recommended. It is good to do outdoor games and sports.