Vision Week a reminder to check your peepers

By Gillian Slade on May 9, 2018.

gslade@medicinehatnews.com  @MHNGillianSlade

The long-term effects of digital eye strain are still emerging, but it’s already known eyes behave differently while looking at phones and computers.

Eyes blink less than half as often while people stare at screens, says Dr. Clark Hyde, doctor of optometry at 20/20 Vision. That can create dryness and even blurred vision that plays a role in the overall health of vision.

Children who spend more time looking at a screen potentially spend less time outside, and that can lead to other complications.

Hyde says kids who spend more time outside are less likely to be near sighted.

While there are various theories for this, children spending more time outside are focusing on distance rather than looking at a nearby screen.

Digital screens also emit a blue light that affects quality of sleep at night, and they may contribute to cataracts, too.

“We think they might have a role in the development of cataracts,” said Hyde.

If people live long enough they are likely to have cataracts at some stage. They can take decades to progress but are sometimes much quicker. The first symptom of a cataract is blurred vision, said Hyde.

May is “vision month” and it is a good time to be reminded of the need to take proper care.

If you are spending time looking at a digital screen, reading a book, or doing some close-up handwork, take frequent breaks. Glance up and look far away from time to time to allow your eyes to focus on something in the distance.

There are a number of serious eye conditions without initial symptoms. They would only be diagnosed in the early stages if you have regular eye exams.

Just because you are not experiencing pain does not mean there is no issue, said Hyde. These can include cancer, glaucoma and macular degeneration in the early stages.

Anyone under 19 years of age should have an annual eye examination. This test is covered by Alberta Health, said Hyde. Adults in general need a test every two years but after the age of 65 it should be every year. If there are any other eye conditions, then the test should be done annually.

Many adults consider sunglasses a fashion statement rather than a necessary protection for the eyes, which they are. It is important for children under the age of 18 as well, as children often have added exposure to sunlight.

Some adults want to delay wearing prescription glasses for as along as possible. They will tolerate slightly blurred vision and/or difficulty reading because of this. There may be a few more wrinkles that develop around the eyes as a result of squinting though.

For a child however, the consequences encompass much more and should not be delayed, said Hyde. This is another reason why it is important for children to have regular eye exams.

18
-17

Comments are closed.