In Depth: Back to School Eye Exams
RALEIGH -- It's hard to believe the new school year is already upon us. And as families across the state get ready for class, we chat with Dr. Steele of the MyEyeDr. Clinic about what to do before your kids are back in school.
Dr. Steele says technology is now a constant in student's lives, but there are some steps that our kids should take to keep their eyesight intact.
Mind your posture: Your digital device posture, that is. Children working on computers or tablets should position devices at least 20 inches from their faces to decrease eye strain. They should also position the screen slightly downward to decrease tension on the neck and back.
Stare into space: Parents should encourage children to use the 20-20-20 rule – look away from the screen at an object on the wall -- 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes. This breaks up screen time and allows for more regular blinking.
Go shopping: Invest in the right lenses to correct vision and ensure academic performance.
Take a hike: According to the Vision Council, children who play outside regularly are 23 percent less likely to develop myopia, or nearsightedness. Parents can even consider this a reward for children who have learned how best to manage their digital device usage.
- Increased screen time has been associated with myopia, or nearsightedness, in children. It’s critical to discuss solutions with your optometrist so your children can use technology safely.
- Prepping your child for a healthy and successful academic year includes digital eye health. Parents must adhere to an ‘every kid, every year’ mantra for back to school eye exams. Headaches, clumsiness, decreased attention span and poor academic performance can all be related to vision impairment or not wearing the right prescription.
- Schedule an annual eye exam for your child today, and MyEyeDr. can provide additional thoughts on treating and preventing the short-term and long-term impact of technological usage.