Technology Harming Kids’ Eyes and Ears

Whether it’s technology-based or not, so-called near-work, such as reading a textbook or looking at a computer or TV screen up close, can cause the lens of the eye to shift its focus. Over time, this can cause the eyeball itself to lengthen, which can lead to—or worsen—nearsightedness.

Additionally, staring at screens from any distance causes kids (and adults) to blink less often, which could lead to dry eye. Over time, the American Optometric Association says, chronically dry eyes could damage the surface of the eye and impair vision.

Experts agree that children’s eyes and ears need regular breaks from tech activities. Here, some helpful strategies.

Limit technology (and close work time). When kids are looking at a screen, follow the 20-20-20 rule: Set a timer for 20 minutes, suggests the AAO, to remind them to look out a window or at an object that’s at least 20 feet away for 20 seconds. If a youngster is reading an e-book, use the bookmark function to help him or her remember to take regular visual breaks. In a physical book, you can place paper clips at the beginning of every other chapter. During video game play, kids should rest their eyes after each level.

Use screens properly. Encourage children to adopt good posture when using technology and to keep anything with a screen about 18 to 24 inches away from their eyes. Remind them to blink when looking at a screen and don’t allow them to use computers in brightly lit areas—to help protect against eye strain. 

Give them outdoor time. Some research indicates that children who spend time outside each day have a lower risk of developing myopia, Epley says. 

Model good behavior. One of the most important steps, say experts, is adopting safe technology habits yourself. If you do so, youngsters are more likely to treat their own eyes and ears with care.

 

The 20/20/20 rule is useful for adults too! To limit screen time or close work time, set a timer for every 20 minutes, and look at something 20 ft away for 20 seconds. Look out the window and let your eyes relax your focus, before coming back to what you’re doing.

Also remember outdoor time for kids! Some research indicates that children who spend time outside each day have a lower risk of developing myopia (nearsightedness). Researchers aren’t sure why, but there’s no harm in more outdoor play time—especially since it can offer other benefits, such as exercise.

 

Is Technology Harming Kids’ Eyes and Ears?

Continue ReadingTechnology Harming Kids’ Eyes and Ears

The Cost of Cheap Glasses/Contacts

Great little video on the real value of glasses and contact lenses by Canadian Association of Optometry Students! Poor fit of contact lenses is not always obvious when they “feel ok” on your eyes. That’s why it’s important to get them properly fitted by a licensed professional. It only takes one bad incident to cause permanent vision loss.
Good job CAOS! 😊

What is your vision worth?

Continue ReadingThe Cost of Cheap Glasses/Contacts

Dry Eye Video

This is a great video illustrating the different kinds of tears and different components that make up your tears! Dry eye disease is very common so I explain this to people daily 🙂 To effectively manage your symptoms, I may recommend a specific kind of eye drops (they’re not all the same!), hot compresses, and/or various ointments or scrubs. If your eyes feel dry, or even if they feel overly watery, come in for a comprehensive assessment to find the right treatment for your tears! 💦
Call (905) 666-4848 or send an online appointment request

Continue ReadingDry Eye Video

Meibomian Gland Expression

Attention pimple poppers!
If you secretly love watching pimple popping videos, you’ll probably get the same satisfaction from watching MEIBOMIAN GLAND EXPRESSION (aka squeezing)! If not, you should probably skip this video 😉

Meibomian glands are located in your eyelids, and they secrete the oily component of tears which keeps them from evaporating. When they are blocked or not producing enough oil, that is a leading cause of dry eye syndrome. They can also get clogged with makeup, so make sure you thoroughly clean your eyelids right to the base of your eyelashes every night.

If you suffer from redness, gritty/sandy feeling, stinging, occasional blurry vision, or uncontrollable watering – call (905) 666-4848 to get an eye exam to determine whether you have Dry Eye Syndrome. Yes it sounds weird, but even watery eyes is a sign of dryness!

For now, please enjoy this wonderful video of meibomian gland expression Imagine how nice it would feel after you open up those clogged pores! #FunFriday #OnlyFunForDrLee

(not my video)

Continue ReadingMeibomian Gland Expression