1. (NU) -According to theAmer-
ican Optometric Association’s
(AOA) 2015 American Eye-Q
survey, 41 percent of parents say
their kids spend three or more
hours per day using digital de-
vices, and 66 percent of kids have
their own smartphone or tablet.
It’s clear children’s use of dig-
ital technology continues to be an
integral part of their lives in both
the classroom and at home, and
it’s predicted that by 2028 -- the
year in which kids entering
kindergarten this fall will gradu-
ate high school -- many schools
will rely heavily on computer
simulations for instruction and
will even incorporate virtual
worlds into curriculu.
While these advances in the
classroom may enhance learning,
many digital devices are still rela-
tively new, and the long-term ef-
fects on young eyes are not yet
fully known. Most of today’s com-
monly-used devices give off high-
energy, short-wavelength, blue and
violet light, which may affect chil-
dren’s vision and even premature-
ly age their eyes. Early research
even shows that overexposure to
this blue light could contribute to
eye strain and discomfort and may
lead to serious conditions later in
life, such as age-related macular
degeneration (AMD), which can
cause blindness.
The first step in taking care
of children’s eyes is for parents
to schedule a comprehensive eye
exam for children prior to the
beginning of each school year to
check eye health and vision.
Children now have the benefit
of annual comprehensive eye
exams, thanks to the Pediatric
Essential Health Benefit in the
Affordable Care Act, through
age 18. The AOA recommends
children have an eye exam by
an optometrist soon after six
months of age, again at age three
and annually thereafter.
With so much time spent on
digital devices, it is also more im-
portant than ever for parents to
watch for signs of digital eye
strain in children. Symptoms can
include burning, itchy or tired
eyes, headaches, fatigue, loss of
focus, blurred vision, double vi-
sion or head and neck pain. To
protect their eyes and vision
while using digital devices, par-
ents should encourage children to
take frequent visual breaks by
practicing the 20-20-20 rule:
when using technology or doing
near work, take a 20-second
break, every 20 minutes and view
something 20 feet away.
To find an optometrist in your
area, or for additional informa-
tion on children’s vision and the
importance of back-to-school eye
exams, please visit aoa.org.
Taking Care of Your Child’s Eyes in
Today’s Digitally Dependent World
HEALTH
NewsUSA
Protect your child from
digital eye strain.
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