HEALTH & WELLNESS
SPEC IA L S ECTION
SEEING INTO THE FUTURE
Twenty-first century children will be looking beyond genetics as
a cause for needing corrective eyewear, according to the American
Optometric Association (AOA). In the Digital Age, children are
exposed to electronic devices their whole lives as an integral part of
social and educational practices. Teachers are continuing to increase
the amount of digital technology used in the classroom, and it is
expected that computer simulations will account for much of the
learning style in the future. Both teachers and parents are finding that
children are adapting well to the use of technology in the classroom,
making learning more interactive and current than most textbook
learning.
The AOA’s 2015 American Eye-Q® survey states that 41 percent of
parents say their kids spend three or more hours per day using digital
devices, and 66 percent of kids have their own smartphone or tablet.
As technology becomes more of an essential part of modern life, it is
important for parents to find balance in their children’s digital usage.
Electronic devices, including televisions, give off blue and violet
light that may affect vision by causing eyestrain and discomfort. If
your child has to do homework using the computer or tablet, keep
the television off during dinnertime and instead enjoy conversation
together. Optometrists also researched the importance of natural
sunlight exposure to the eyes and say that the lack of exposure to
natural light could affect the growth and development of vision.
DIGITAL EYESTRAIN
• Burning
• Fatigue
• Itchy or tired
• Blurry vision
• Head and neck pain
• Increased headaches
The best way to properly monitor eye and vision health is to
make sure your child gets a comprehensive eye exam every year.
Continued on next page >
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