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Ever since I received a note home from the teacher to have my daughters eye checked, I have been concerned with my family’s eye health. My daughter was in the second grade and had never complained about her eyes. During her previous checkups and physicals the doctor never mentioned that they seen anything wrong with her vision, so it wasn’t a concern. When I took her to have an eye exam, the optometrist was surprised that my daughter never complained and prescribed her eyeglasses. After that appointment, I made an appointment for my son who was just a toddler.
The use of technology among children both at home and at school is definitely on the rise. There is a new survey from the American Optometric Association (AOA) that shows parents drastically underestimate the time that their children spend on digital devices. I know my children use digital devices at home but they are also using them at school. My daughter is even in an after program at school where the students get to use iPads and iMacs to play educational learning games.
Did you know that eighty percent of children surveyed report experiencing burning, itchy or tired eyes after using electronic devices for long periods of time?
Here are some tips that the AOA recommends to remember to help prevent or reduce eye and vision problems associated with digital eye strain and exposure:
Tip One – Check Height & Position Of Device
Computer screens should be our to five inches below eye level and 20 to 28 inches away from eyes. Digital devices should be held at a safe distance away from eyes and slightly below eye level.
Tip Two – Check For Glare On The Screen
Windows and other light sources should not be directly visible when sitting in front of a computer screen. If this happens, turn the desk or computer to prevent glare on the screen. You might also consider adjusting the brightness of the screen on your digital devices or changing the background color.
Tip Three – Reduce The Amount Of Lighting
Reduce the amount of light in the room to match the computer screen. A lower-wattage light can be used instead of a bright overhead light or a dimmer switch may be installed to give flexible control of your room’s lighting.
Tip Four – Adjust Font Size
Increase the size of the text on the screen of the device that is being used to make it easier on the eyes when reading.
Tip Five – Keep Blinking
Frequent blinking can reduce the chances for developing dry eye by keeping the front surface of the eye moist.
When it comes to your family’s eye health, comprehensive eye exams by an optometrist are important and essential in helping to identify the signs and symptoms associated with digital eye strain and other vision problems. The AOA recommends that every child have an eye exam by an optometrist soon after they turn 6 months old, before they turn age three and every year thereafter.
You can learn more about the American Optometric Association (AOA) by visiting there Facebook and Twitter profiles.
Thanks for the tips. Great reminders!
I agree, my husband and I have bad eyes and we both wear corrective lenses so we keep an eye on our children because we do not want them to strain their eyes.
These tips are amazing, I never knew where a screen should be etc. I’ll have to keep this in mind, for myself and for the kids. Eye health is too important not too!
I am surprised to learn about the 20-20-20. I hadn’t heard this before. And I did not know that the light in the room had an effect on our eyes. You’d think I would have known that, as much time as I spend in front of a monitor. I am going to implement these safe guards immediately.
These are great tips, I have yet to have to do eye tests or glasses on my kids. It is good to know how to help protect their eyes before we hit that stage!
My son and I both had to get our glasses in the second grade. It’s so important to get kids checked early. Great info!
Regular eye exams are very important, my kids always get one a year and my princess gets one every 3 month due to her JIA…thanks for sharing and reminded me to make our next appointment…
Those are great tips. It’s so important to have regular exams. They saved my daughter’s vision!
Great tips. My hubby and I were the first to notice our son Derek’s poor eyesight when he was just 3 years old. He had a habit of sitting extremely close to the tv. We decided to take him to a pediatric eye doctor and was found to require a really strong prescription for eyeglasses which at that time made his eyes look really enlarged. Once he was old enough he transferred to contacts and he’s been wearing them ever since.
I love the 20-20-20 tip! I hadn’t heard of that before!
I try not to let my kids play with electronics because I am scared they will get eye strain. My girls go for their exam soon!
Eye exams are super important. When my nephew was young, his teachers noticed that his grades were dipping and he squinted a lot. It turned out he was near sighted.
What great thoughts… I know my kids have done well on the wall exams at the doctors but I have never taken them to the eye doctor…
I know eventually my kids will need glasses. I take them early for exams. Both myself and my husband have poor vision. Great infographic, so much useful info.
My daughter and I wear glasses, so we are very punctual on our yearly appointments.
Great tips for kids!!! It is crazy how much screen time kids get in these days! Yearly exams are important.
I always make sure our kids have their eyes examined once a year before school starts. It is crucial that they be able to see clearly in school to do well.
Such an important list. We all need to remember these tips to save out eyes- no matter what age!
Great infographic. Regular eye exams are very important for kids and parents.
I take my kids for eye exams every year before school start, Very important thing to do.
Our kids get one through school every year and i love that they do that. Eye care is very important especially in growing kids.
Your daughter looks so cute in those glasses. You are so right about keeping up the your eye exams. It seem that that the one thing most tend to neglect until there is a problem.
I was pretty young when I started wearing glasses so my kids get checked regularly 😉 my oldest, though, is always bummed out to hear her vision is 20/20 lol
Great tips! I need to take myself and my littles to get our eye exams.
These are great tips, I need to remember that 20-20-20 rule!
Great tips for eyes. I need to think of all of these when its comes to eyes.
Eye health is so important in our family! Getting my kids checked again before school.
Eye exams are very important. I never heard of the 20-20-20 rule. I’ll have to keep this in mind. Thanks for sharing!
I completely agree. Even if you don’t have bad vision, you should have the insurance.
As a person who used to work for an optometrist, these are excellent tips..many health issues have eye symptoms first, and it is very important that a child be checked for their vision and general health.