By: Roger M. Kaldawy, M.D.

Milford Franklin Eye Center

As the back-to-school season approaches, parents are busy preparing their children for the academic year ahead. From buying new clothes to stocking up on school supplies, the checklist can seem endless. However, one crucial aspect that often gets overlooked is eye health. Ensuring that children have optimal vision is essential for their academic performance and overall well-being. Additionally, with the increasing use of digital devices in education, understanding and addressing Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) is more important than ever.

The Importance of Regular Eye Exams

Regular vision screening using evidence-based tools and procedures is essential to identify children with possible vision impairments. These screenings educate parents and caregivers about the importance of vision care, ensure referrals to eye care professionals for comprehensive exams, and help parents understand the significance of following treatment plans.

However, the availability of appropriate vision screening varies depending on location and the specific schools or programs children attend. These discrepancies can lead to inequalities in children’s vision care in the United States. Notably, 1 in 17 young children and 1 in 4 school-aged children have undetected and untreated vision disorders that can interfere with learning and development.

Untreated vision disorders can cause children to fall behind in school, exhibit behavioral problems, miss developmental milestones, and even suffer permanent vision loss. Therefore, a continuum of eye care that includes both vision screenings and comprehensive eye examinations is recommended. All children, even those with no signs of trouble, should have their eyes and vision screened at regular intervals.

Five Steps to Eye Health

1. Understanding the Importance: Parents and caregivers need to understand the importance of vision screening and arrange eye exams if screening suggests a possible vision disorder.

2. Routine Screening: Children should participate in routine vision screening conducted by trained and certified screeners using evidence-based tools and procedures.

3. Referral for Examination: Children who do not pass vision screening should be referred to their medical home or an eye care professional for a comprehensive eye examination.

4. Eye Examination: Eye exams should be conducted by eye doctors trained and experienced in treating young children.

5. Follow-up and Treatment: Parents and caregivers should follow the treatment plan, ensure ongoing care, and share eye examination results with school nurses or other relevant personnel.

Signs Your Child May Need an Eye Exam

While annual eye exams are crucial, specific signs indicate a child may need to see an eye doctor sooner. These include:

• Squinting or tilting the head to see better

• Complaints of headaches or eye strain

• Difficulty reading or doing close-up work

• Sitting too close to the television or holding digital devices close to the eyes

• Excessive tearing or sensitivity to light

If any of these symptoms are present, it’s essential to schedule an eye exam as soon as possible. As always…” Moms know better”.  In doubt, schedule a comprehensive eye exam.

The Rise of Digital Device Use in Education

In recent years, digital devices have become integral to the educational experience. Research shows that 25 to 93 percent of computer users experience a problem so common there’s a name for it: Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS).

Understanding Computer Vision Syndrome

Computer Vision Syndrome, also known as Digital Eye Strain, refers to a group of eye and vision-related problems resulting from prolonged use of digital devices. Symptoms of CVS include:

• Decreased or blurred vision

• Burning or stinging eyes

• Sensitivity to light

• Headaches

• Neck and back pain

CVS is more common if there are more than two hours of continuous computer screen time a day. The most common causes include improper viewing angle or distance from the screen, glare, extended use, staring without blinking, and uncorrected vision problems.

Preventing Computer Vision Syndrome

While it may not be possible to eliminate digital device use, these measures can help prevent CVS:

• Adjust Viewing Angle: The center of the monitor should be 20 to 28 inches from your eyes and 4 to 5 inches below eye level. Position reference materials so they can be seen without moving your head.

• Reduce Glare: Position your screen to avoid glare from lights or windows. Use glare filters if necessary.

• Rest Your Eyes: Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look away from your screen at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. After two hours of continuous screen use, rest your eyes for 15 minutes.

• Blink Often: Blink frequently and use lubricating eye drops to prevent dry eye.

• Get Your Eyes Checked: Ensure your prescription is correct, especially for computer use.

If symptoms persist, consult an ophthalmologist for a comprehensive evaluation and treatment plan.

Choosing the Right Eyewear

For children who need corrective lenses, selecting the right eyewear is crucial:

• Durability: Choose sturdy frames that can withstand daily activities.

• Comfort: Ensure the frames fit well and are comfortable.

• UV Protection: Consider lenses with UV protection for outdoor activities.

• Blue Light Filters: Several studies suggest that blue light-blocking glasses do not improve symptoms of digital eye strain. The American Academy of Ophthalmology does not recommend blue light-blocking glasses because of the lack of scientific evidence that blue light is damaging to the eyes.

Conclusion

As children head back to school, ensuring their eye health should be a top priority. Regular eye exams, attention to symptoms of vision problems, and strategies to prevent Computer Vision Syndrome can help safeguard their vision and support their academic success. By taking these steps, parents can ensure their children have the visual tools they need to thrive in and out of the classroom.

Computer Vision Syndrome is very common, and more eye strain can be expected as screen work increases. Our center and optometrists have state-of-the-art equipment to diagnose and treat many eye problems, including CVS. With in-house ophthalmologists available, there is no need to seek outside referrals. Our seven dedicated eye care providers across three state-of-the-art facilities in Franklin, Milford, and Millis offer convenient Saturday and after-hours appointments. This back-to-school season, all new patients, children, and adults, receive a new pair of select eyeglasses. Our quality in-house optical shop has its own lab and experienced opticians ready to help. From basic eye exams to high-tech surgeries, we provide comprehensive eye care for returning scholars and the entire family.

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