Q: Is too much computer or hand held device use bad for my child’s eyes?
The use of computer and hand held devices has not been proven to be harmful to children’s eyes if used properly. Limit the total screen time ( i.e., computer, TV, mobile and games to two hours a day, otherwise the children can experience COMPUTER VISION SYNDROME which include symptoms of eyestrain, headaches, dry eyes, blurred vision, and difficulty seeing objects at a distance. This does go away once they stop using the computer. Suggestions to prevent these symptoms:
- Place screen 20-28 inches away aligning the top of the screen at eye level s that the child is looking down and reading
- Make sure the surrounding light fixtures are dim and reduce glare from windows
- Have them sitting in well supported chairs with their feet flat on the ground
- Encourage them to change position often
- Remind the kids to look 20 feet away every 20 minutes for 20 seconds and remember to blink!
- They should wear updated prescription glasses or contact lenses Technology is a great learning tool but should be used wisely……kids should remember to stay physically active and spend time outdoors!
Q: What are some simple tips for nutrition and the eyes?
- Lutein in leafy green vegetables and egg yolks; zeaxanthin in orange peppers
- Betacarotene found in fruits and vegetable
- Vitamin C found in fruits and vegetables
- Vitamin E found in oils, nuts, eggs, some fruits and vegetables
- Zinc found seafood, meat, nuts, whole grains
- DHA (docasahexaenoic acid), EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) found in cold water fish oils
- ALA (alphalinolenic acid) found in nuts, flax seed, ad vegetable oils
Q: What are Progressives?
A: Think of Progressives as Bifocal’s and Multifocal’s “cooler cousin”. It’s the same concept; both distance and reading in one lens, but without the line! This is the more fashionable option since the person looking at you would never know that your glasses are meant for more than just one thing.
A bonus to the Progressive lens is being able to see at an Intermediate distance, think about an arm’s length away. This benefits those who work on a computer and need to do more than just see far away and up close.
A lot goes on in an Optometrist’s office, and this is just a small sample of things you may hear or see there that you don’t fully understand. If there’s ever a time you don’t understand what’s being said, don’t be afraid to ask your doctor or one of our staff members, as we’re always happy to help.
Q: My eyes are always burning and tired, what is causing this and what can I do about it?
A: Tired, burning, and irritated eyes are signs of dry eye syndrome, a very common condition. Women are more prone to developing dry eyes, and aging is a risk factor too. Eye dryness is often due to a decrease in the oil production in our eyelid glands, which causes the tears to evaporate too quickly. Certain medications and health issues can also contribute to dryness. There is no true cure for dry eye, but many treatments are available such as the use of artificial tears, Omega 3 nutritional supplements, prescription medications such as Restasis, and eyelid hygiene. Our eye doctors customize the treatments for each person and their specific condition.