Coffee, check. Laptop, check. Eye drops, check. This probably sounds like a familiar routine.
Dry eye syndrome is increasingly common in adults, especially as the time we work on screens increases exponentially. In fact, we posted a recent blog on this already. But kids are also experiencing changes in their eyes and vision that are likely a result of how much time they spend on screens – even years before they hit the workforce.
If you’ve noticed that your child complains more often about headaches, rubs their eyes frequently, or exhibits signs of blurry vision (like being unable to read a whiteboard), it’s possible that they have myopia.
While myopia, or nearsightedness, is not related to dry eye syndrome, it’s quite possible that the root cause is the same: increased screen time.
So what’s the answer? At Lethbridge Vision Care, we’re skilled at treating patients of all ages and identifying any conditions that may be preventing optimal eyesight. As we continue to see a rise of myopia in our younger set, we have some recommendations to ensure your kids are properly assessed, and that you’re doing what you can to prevent the development of this condition.
Dry eye syndrome is increasingly common in adults, especially as the time we work on screens increases exponentially. In fact, we posted a recent blog on this already. But kids are also experiencing changes in their eyes and vision that are likely a result of how much time they spend on screens – even years before they hit the workforce.
If you’ve noticed that your child complains more often about headaches, rubs their eyes frequently, or exhibits signs of blurry vision (like being unable to read a whiteboard), it’s possible that they have myopia.
While myopia, or nearsightedness, is not related to dry eye syndrome, it’s quite possible that the root cause is the same: increased screen time.
So what’s the answer? At Lethbridge Vision Care, we’re skilled at treating patients of all ages and identifying any conditions that may be preventing optimal eyesight. As we continue to see a rise of myopia in our younger set, we have some recommendations to ensure your kids are properly assessed, and that you’re doing what you can to prevent the development of this condition.
What is myopia?
Myopia results when the axial length of the eye is elongated, causing light to refract inaccurately. Basically, the shape of the eye changes, making clear vision more difficult. It often begins in childhood, affecting about a third of kids by adolescence, and optometrists are noticing that the number of affected youth is increasing. While genetics certainly play a role, it’s likely that environmental factors are also contributing to the problem.
Myopia is commonly known as nearsightedness, meaning that closer objects appear clearly while those further away may be fuzzy. Some of the signs and symptoms include blurry vision, squinting, eye rubbing, and headaches, as mentioned above.
Myopia isn’t a particularly alarming condition, but it’s interesting to note that while experts aren’t yet certain of the cause, it appears that increased screen use and time spent on close-up work is making myopia more common than ever before.
Myopia is commonly known as nearsightedness, meaning that closer objects appear clearly while those further away may be fuzzy. Some of the signs and symptoms include blurry vision, squinting, eye rubbing, and headaches, as mentioned above.
Myopia isn’t a particularly alarming condition, but it’s interesting to note that while experts aren’t yet certain of the cause, it appears that increased screen use and time spent on close-up work is making myopia more common than ever before.
Can it be prevented?
The suspected link between myopia and screen use means that we may be able to take some measures to prevent it, even if we can’t overcome the genetic link.
Break often. When working on screens or doing other work that requires you or your kids to focus on something up close, make sure that you take frequent breaks. This can help your eyes to readjust their focus. It also provides the added bonus of encouraging more frequent blinking, which helps to keep eyes moisturized.
Get outside. Spending time outdoors changes the distance at which we’re typically focussed and can help to prevent changes in the eyes’ shape that lead to myopia.
Limit screen time. While you can’t always avoid using screens, limit the amount of time your kids spend on screens recreationally.
Break often. When working on screens or doing other work that requires you or your kids to focus on something up close, make sure that you take frequent breaks. This can help your eyes to readjust their focus. It also provides the added bonus of encouraging more frequent blinking, which helps to keep eyes moisturized.
Get outside. Spending time outdoors changes the distance at which we’re typically focussed and can help to prevent changes in the eyes’ shape that lead to myopia.
Limit screen time. While you can’t always avoid using screens, limit the amount of time your kids spend on screens recreationally.
What are the treatment options?
Thankfully, treatment options for myopia are easy and non-invasive.
Wear eyeglasses. One of our highly skilled optometrists can assess your child’s eyesight and eye health, and determine whether or not prescription glasses are necessary. We may recommend that they be worn more or less often, depending on the severity of your child’s myopia.
Choose well-fitting frames that are comfortable for your child to wear, including during activities. You may want to add a strap, especially for younger children, or explore options for sports goggles if you have an athlete.
Try contact lenses. Contacts are convenient and comfortable, and aren’t as easily lost at school as glasses! They also offer advantages for very active kids.
Your child should be mature enough to care for them, which also means tolerating eye drops and practicing good hygiene. (It’s a good idea to keep a pair of glasses on hand for when they don’t feel like wearing contacts).
Ask us about specialty contacts. If your child is mature enough to handle contact lenses, there may be some specialty options that can help flatten the cornea. Wearing these contacts through the night can help slow the progression of myopia and enable your child to see clearly during the day without corrective wear.
There’s no shortage of new theories on how our screen usage may be changing us, including the way we socialize, think, and even see. It’s important to find a balance, both for ourselves and for our children, between online and offline activities.
It’s also a good idea to have your child’s eyes regularly assessed by an optometrist. We can address any issues early to prevent further deterioration of their vision, and make personalized recommendations.
Find out how we can help you and your entire family see more clearly, with excellent and professional service at Lethbridge Vision Care. (And once you’ve booked your consultation, consider taking a break from your screen!)
Wear eyeglasses. One of our highly skilled optometrists can assess your child’s eyesight and eye health, and determine whether or not prescription glasses are necessary. We may recommend that they be worn more or less often, depending on the severity of your child’s myopia.
Choose well-fitting frames that are comfortable for your child to wear, including during activities. You may want to add a strap, especially for younger children, or explore options for sports goggles if you have an athlete.
Try contact lenses. Contacts are convenient and comfortable, and aren’t as easily lost at school as glasses! They also offer advantages for very active kids.
Your child should be mature enough to care for them, which also means tolerating eye drops and practicing good hygiene. (It’s a good idea to keep a pair of glasses on hand for when they don’t feel like wearing contacts).
Ask us about specialty contacts. If your child is mature enough to handle contact lenses, there may be some specialty options that can help flatten the cornea. Wearing these contacts through the night can help slow the progression of myopia and enable your child to see clearly during the day without corrective wear.
There’s no shortage of new theories on how our screen usage may be changing us, including the way we socialize, think, and even see. It’s important to find a balance, both for ourselves and for our children, between online and offline activities.
It’s also a good idea to have your child’s eyes regularly assessed by an optometrist. We can address any issues early to prevent further deterioration of their vision, and make personalized recommendations.
Find out how we can help you and your entire family see more clearly, with excellent and professional service at Lethbridge Vision Care. (And once you’ve booked your consultation, consider taking a break from your screen!)
