Impact of Computer Use on Children’s Vision

When first introduced, computers were almost exclusively used by adults. Today, children increasingly use these devices both for education and recreation. Millions of children use computers on a daily basis at school and at home.

Children can experience many of the same symptoms related to computer use as adults. Extensive viewing of the computer screen can lead to eye discomfort, fatigue, blurred vision and headaches. However, some unique aspects of how children use computers may make them more susceptible than adults to the development of these problems.

The potential impact of computer use on children’s vision involves the following factors:

• Children often have a limited degree of self-awareness. Many children keep performing an enjoyable task with great concentration until near exhaustion (e.g., playing video games for hours with little, if any, breaks). Prolonged activity without a significant break can cause eye focusing (accommodative) problems and eye irritation.

Accommodative problems may occur as a result of the eyes’ focusing system “locking in” to a particular target and viewing distance. In some cases, this may cause the eyes to be unable to smoothly and easily focus on a particular object, even long after the original work is completed.

Eye irritation may occur because of poor tearflow over the eye due to reduced blinking. Blinking is often inhibited by concentration and staring at a computer or video screen. Compounding this, computers usually are located higher in the field of view than traditional paperwork. This results in the upper eyelids being retracted to a greater extent. Therefore, the eye tends to experience more than the normal amount of tear evaporation resulting in dryness and irritation.

• Children are very adaptable. Although there are many positive aspects to their adaptability, children frequently ignore problems that would be addressed by adults. A child who is viewing a computer screen with a large amount of glare often will not think about changing the computer arrangement or the surroundings to achieve more comfortable viewing. This can result in excessive eye strain. Also, children often accept blurred vision caused by nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), or astigmatism because they think everyone sees the way they do. Uncorrected farsightedness can cause eye strain, even when clear vision can be maintained.
• Children are not the same size as adults. Since children are smaller, computers don’t fit them well. Most computer workstations are arranged for adult use. Therefore, a child using a computer on a typical office desk often must look up further than an adult. Since the most efficient viewing angle is slightly downward about 15 degrees, problems using the eyes together can occur. In addition, children may have difficulty reaching the keyboard or placing their feet on the floor, causing arm, neck or back discomfort.
• Children often use computers in a home or classroom with less than optimum lighting. The lighting level for the proper use of a computer is about half as bright as that normally found in a classroom. Increased light levels can contribute to excessive glare and problems associated with adjustments of the eye to different levels of light.

Steps to Visually-Friendly Computer Use

Here are some things to consider for children using a computer:

• Have the child’s vision checked. This will make sure that the child can see clearly and comfortably and can detect any hidden conditions that may contribute to eye strain. When necessary, glasses, contact lenses or vision therapy can provide clear, comfortable vision, not just for using the computer, but for all other aspects of daily activities.
• Strictly enforce the amount of time that a child can continuously use the computer. A ten-minute break every hour will minimize the development of eye focusing problems and eye irritation caused by improper blinking.
• Carefully check the height and arrangement of the computer. The child’s size should determine how the monitor and keyboard are positioned. In many situations, the computer monitor will be too high in the child’s field of view, the chair too low and the desk too high. A good solution to many of these problems is an adjustable chair that can be raised for the child’s comfort, since it is usually difficult to lower the computer monitor. A foot stool may be necessary to support the child’s feet.
• Carefully check the lighting for glare on the computer screen. Windows or other light sources should not be directly visible when sitting in front of the monitor. When this occurs, the desk or computer may be turned to prevent glare on the screen. Sometimes glare is less obvious. In this case, holding a small mirror flat against the screen can be a useful way to look for light sources that are reflecting off of the screen from above or behind. If a light source can be seen in the mirror, the offending light should be moved or blocked from hitting the screen with a cardboard hood (a baffle) attached to the top of the monitor. In addition, the American Optometric Association has evaluated and accepted a number of glare screens that can be added to a computer to reduce glare. Look for the AOA Seal of Acceptance when purchasing a glare reduction filter.
• Reduce the amount of lighting in the room to match the computer screen. Often this is very simple in the home. In some cases, a smaller light can be substituted for the bright overhead light or a dimmer switch can be installed to give flexible control of room lighting. In other cases, a three-way bulb can be turned onto its lowest setting.

Children have different needs to comfortably use a computer. A small amount of effort can help reinforce appropriate viewing habits and assure comfortable and enjoyable computer use.
~ American Optometric Association~

For questions, or a comprehensive eye exam, contact:
Premier Eyecare of Edmond, Dr. Julie Moore, #405.513.8150

Encountering Problems with Near Vision after 40

If you have enjoyed relatively good vision throughout your life and haven’t needed eyeglasses or contact lenses to correct distance vision, then the development of near vision problems after age 40 can be somewhat of a concern and a frustration. Losing the ability to read the newspaper or see the cell phone numbers may seem to have occurred abruptly. Actually, these changes have been occurring gradually since childhood. But up until now, your eyes have had adequate focusing power to allow you to see clearly for reading and close work. Now your eyes no longer have enough focusing power for clear and comfortable near vision tasks.

Persons with presbyopia have several options available to regain clear near vision.

This loss of focusing ability for near vision, called presbyopia, is simply the result of the lens inside the eye becoming less flexible. This flexibility allows the eye to change focus from objects are far to objects that are close. Persons with presbyopia have several options available to regain clear near vision. They include:

• Eyeglasses, including single vision reading glasses and multifocal lenses
• Contact lenses, including monovision and bifocal lenses
• Laser surgery and other refractive surgery procedures

As you continue to age through your 50s and beyond, presbyopia becomes more advanced. You may notice the need for more frequent changes in eyeglass or contact lens prescriptions. Around age 60, these changes in near vision should stop and prescription changes should occur less frequently.

Presbyopia can’t be prevented or cured, but many options are available to help compensate for the loss of near focusing ability. Most individuals should be able to obtain clear, comfortable near vision for all of their lifestyle needs.

For questions, or a comprehensive eye exam, contact:

Premier Eyecare of Edmond, Dr. Julie Moore, #405.513.8150

Sports & Vision

Do you wish you could cut a few strokes off your golf score? Does your child always seem to be just a few steps away from the soccer ball? Having trouble returning your tennis partner’s serve? Vision, just like speed and strength, is an important component in how well you play your sport.

And there is much more to vision than just seeing clearly. Your vision is composed of many interrelated skills that can affect how well you play your sport. However, just as exercise and practice can increase your speed and strength, it can also improve your visual fitness and accuracy.

Because all sports have different visual demands, an optometrist with expertise in sports vision can assess your unique visual system and recommend the proper eyeglasses or contact lenses, or design a vision therapy program to maximize your visual skills for your specific sport. Remember, a thorough eye examination by your doctor of optometry is a great place to begin “getting the winning edge.”

Eye protection should also be a major concern to all athletes, especially in certain high-risk sports. Thousands of children and adults suffer sports-related eye injuries each year, and nearly all can be prevented by using the proper protective eyewear. Especially for sports played outdoors, appropriate sunglasses are a must, and some sport-specific designs may even help you improve your game. Ask your optometrist which type is best suited for your favorite sport.

For a comprehensive eye exam, or questions regarding your vision contact:

Premier Eyecare of Edmond, Dr. Julie Moore, #513.8150

Adult Vision: 19 to 40 Years of Age

Most adults, aged 19 to 40, enjoy healthy eyes and good vision. The most common eye and vision problems experienced by people in this age group are due to visual stress and eye injuries. By taking proper steps to maintain a healthy lifestyle and protect your eyes from stress and injury, you can avoid many eye and vision problems.

Good vision is important as you pursue a college degree, begin your career, or perhaps start and raise a family. Here are some things you can do to help maintain healthy eyes and good vision:

• Eat Healthy — As part of a healthful diet, eat five servings of fruits and vegetables each day. Choose foods rich in antioxidants like leafy, green vegetables and fish.
• Don’t Smoke — Smoking exposes your eyes to high levels of noxious chemicals and increases the risk for developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataracts.
• Get Regular Exercise — Exercise improves blood circulation, increases oxygen levels to the eyes and aids in the removal of toxins.
• Wear Sunglasses — Protect your eyes from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays when outdoors. Choose sunglasses with UVA and UVB protection, to block both forms of ultraviolet rays.
• Get Periodic Eye Examinations — Although vision generally remains stable during these years, some problems may develop without any obvious signs or symptoms. The best way to protect your vision is through regularly scheduled professional eye examinations.

The American Optometric Association recommends that adults aged 19 to 40 receive an eye exam at least every two years. If you are at risk for eye problems due to a family history of eye disease, diabetes, high blood pressure or past vision problems, your doctor of optometry may recommend more frequent exams. In between examinations, if you notice a change in your vision, contact your doctor. Detecting and treating problems early can help maintain good vision for the rest of your life.
~American Optometric Association~

For a comprehensive eye exam, or questions regarding your vision, contact:

Premier Eyecare of Edmond, Dr. Julie Moore, #405.513.8150

Dealing with Visual Stress at School or on the Job

Eyestrain is a common occurrence in today’s visually demanding world. A typical college schedule or office workday involves spending long hours reading, working at a desk, or staring at a computer. A poorly designed study or work environment, with elements such as improper lighting, uncomfortable seating, incorrect viewing angles and improper reading or working distances can add to the visual stress. As the day progresses, the eyes begin to fatigue and eyestrain and discomfort can develop.

A poorly designed study or work environment, with elements such as improper lighting, uncomfortable seating, incorrect viewing angles and improper reading or working distances can add to the visual stress.

The following are several key signs and symptoms of eyestrain:

• Sore or tired eyes
• Itching or burning sensations in the eyes
• Sensitivity to light
• Dry or watery eyes
• Headaches
• Difficulty focusing

Here are some simple steps you can take to minimize eyestrain, particularly during computer work:

• Workplace Adjustments
  Position the top of your computer monitor below eye level so you look slightly downward when viewing the screen. This will help minimize strain on the eyes and the neck. If you are typing from copy, position the text at the same level as the screen. Adjust the screen brightness so it is most comfortable for you. Avoid glare on the computer screen by adjusting window curtains or blinds, repositioning the monitor, or using a glare reduction filter.
• Proper Lighting
  Examine the lighting in your work area. Overhead lights can be harsh and often are brighter than necessary. Consider turning some of the lights off for a more comfortable lighting situation. Use an adjustable shaded lamp to provide specific task lighting as needed.
• Rest Breaks
  Throughout the day, give your eyes a chance to rest. Take several minutes every hour to look away from the computer and allow your eyes to re-adjust. Consider standing up and walking around or doing alternate tasks that do not require extensive near focusing. Blink often to refresh the eyes and use artificial tear solutions, if necessary.
• Posture
  When seated at a desk, make sure your feet are flat on the floor. Use a chair that is adjustable and provides adequate support for your back. When working at a computer, your arms should form a 90 degree angle at the elbows and your hands should be tilted up slightly to allow your fingers to travel freely over the keyboard.

Making these simple adjustments to your study or work area can pay big dividends in terms of preventing or reducing eyestrain. If you continue to experience eye-related symptoms, you may have a vision problem requiring treatment. Ask your optometrist.
~American Optometric Association~

For a comprehensive Eye Exam, or questions regarding your vision, contact:

Premier Eyecare of Edmond, Dr. Julie Moore, #513.8150

Make Eye Exams Part Of The Back To School Routine

Children across the country are gearing up for a new school year. Before heading back to the classroom, the American Optometric Association (AOA) recommends a visit to the optometrist. Healthy vision is an important part to the learning process and success in school. Reading, writing and computer work are among the visual skills that students are required to perform daily. However, studies show that 86 percent of children start school without ever having an eye examination.

Many experts believe that approximately 80 percent of learning comes through a child’s eyes. Despite the strong correlation between vision and learning, many Americans underestimate the number of children affected by eye and vision problems. According to the American Optometric Association’s (AOA) 2009 American Eye-Q® survey, which assesses public knowledge and understanding of a wide range of issues related to eye and visual health, 88 percent of respondents did not realize that one in four students have a visual impairment.

“Because a child’s vision may change frequently, regular eye and vision care is crucial to a student’s classroom success,” said Dr. Michael Earley, optometrist and the AOA’s vision & learning specialist. “Unfortunately, most parents are not including eye exams as part of their child’s back-to-school health check-up.”

According to the recent Eye-Q® survey, 58 percent of parents did not take their child for an eye exam until age three or older. The AOA recommends that children have their first eye assessment at six months of age, then comprehensive eye exams beginning at age three, before a child enters school, and then every two years, unless otherwise advised by an optometrist. In between visits to the eye doctor, parents, as well as teachers, should keep a watchful eye out for some of the more prevalent signs that a child’s vision may be impaired.

The AOA recommends that parents contact their doctor of optometry if their child frequently:

1. Loses place while reading
2. Avoids close work
3. Tends to rub eyes
4. Has headaches
5. Turns or tilts head
6. Makes frequent reversals when reading or writing
7. Uses finger to maintain place when reading
8. Omits or confuses small words when reading
9. Consistently performs below potential
10. Struggles to complete homework
11. Squints while reading or watching television
12. Has behavioral problems
13. Holds reading material closer than normal

Many parents are not as aware of the less obvious warning signs of eye and vision problems. The Eye-Q® survey found that only one-third of parents identified using a finger while reading (31 percent) or behavioral problems (35 percent) as potential signs of a vision impairment.

“It is especially important to monitor the signs and symptoms of vision problems as a student progresses in school,” said Dr. Earley. “If a child’s vision is impaired, increasing visual demands such as smaller print in textbooks or additional homework can significantly alter a student’s performance. And, new technology changes in the classroom, such as the use of interactive whiteboards, can also potentially exacerbate less obvious vision problems. Without healthy vision, students may suffer not only in the classroom, but also mentally, physically and emotionally.”

Studies indicate that 60 percent of children identified as “problem learners” actually suffer from undetected vision problems and in some cases have been inaccurately diagnosed with attention deficit disorder (ADD) or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

The earlier a vision problem is detected and treated, the more likely treatment will be successful. Comprehensive eye exams play a critical role in this process. It is important to keep in mind, a school vision screening, while helpful, is not a substitute for a comprehensive eye examination. Screenings vary in scope and are not designed to detect many visual problems that can significantly impact tasks like reading where more than clarity of vision is needed. Comprehensive eye exams performed by optometrists are essential for clear, comfortable and healthy vision. States including Kentucky, Missouri and Illinois have successfully established programs requiring mandatory eye exams for school-age children.
~ The American Optometric Association ~

For a comprehensive eye exam, contact:
Premier Eyecare of Edmond, Dr. Julie Moore, #405.513.8150

Ask The Doctor

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For comprehensive eyecare, or questions about your child’s vision care contact:

Premier Eyecare of Edmond, Dr. Julie Moore, #405.513-8150