IN Cranberry Winter 2017 | Page 29

HEALTH & WELLNESS SPEC IA L SEC TIO N Because there is so much to see HURRY! DON'T LET YOUR FSA BENEFITS RUN OUT. USE THEM BEFORE THEY EXPIRE. Call our office to schedule your appointment today. • Comprehensive vision and eye health evaluations SEEING INTO THE FUTURE • Complete contact lens services, including scleral lens fits 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. • Fashionable eyewear, including our newest arrival... Oakley • New patients welcome Rebecca Woodring, OD Shannon Mihalacki, OD Dr. Michael Lacina DIGITAL EYESTRAIN • Burning • Fatigue • Itchy or tired • Blurry vision • Increased headaches • Head and neck pain The best way to properly monitor eye and vision health is to make sure your child gets a comprehensive eye exam every year. KEEP YOUR TEETH & GUMS HEALTHY A big smile can say a lot about your overall health, so if you’ve been skipping out on the dentist, you may want to schedule your visit. A yearly dental visit protects against poor oral health that can lead to greater problems down the road. Good oral hygiene, including brushing at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste Continued on page 29 > Cranberry | Winter 2017 | icmags.com 27