I participated in an Influencer Activation on behalf of Mom Central for the American Optometric Association.  I received a promotional item as a thank you for my participation.

For as long as I can remember…6th grade to be exact…I’ve been wearing glasses.  I wore glasses until I got high school and then my Mom & Dad FINALLY let me try contacts.  Wearing glasses and contacts has always been a part of my life and I’m thankful, because without them I’d be literally blind.  I actually enjoy wearing glasses now that I’m older and trying out different styles.  I knew growing up it was likely I was going to need glasses because both of my parents had them.  It’s hard to know if someone else needs glasses, some children will show signs and symptoms, while others may not.

I remember coming home from school one day and telling my Mom it was hard to see at a distance.  We booked an eye exam, and sure enough the verdict was glasses.  Now that I’m a Mom of my own I want to make sure Connor can do the best he can while he’s at school.  When a child can’t see it can affect the way they learn and cause frustration.  The best way to deal with this is to communicate with your child and ask them if everything is okay?  Early eye exams are also a good idea.  If you suspect your child is having vision problems don’t wait to see an optometrist.

The use of technology among children both at home and in the classroom is on the rise, and a new survey from the American Optometric Association (AOA) shows that parents drastically underestimate the time their children spend on digital devices.  This is so true!  I know I let Connor spend way to much time on the iPad.  Even though we do limit his time on electronics it’s what he gravitates towards and wants to do every single day!

• An AOA survey reports that 83 percent of children between the ages of 10 and 17 estimate they use an electronic device for three or more hours each day.

• A separate AOA survey of parents revealed that only 40 percent of parents believe their children use an electronic device for that same amount of time. Most parents believe the time their kids spend using technology is far less than what it is.

• Eighty percent of children surveyed report experiencing burning, itchy or tired eyes after using electronic devices for long periods of time.

Digital eye strain, a temporary vision condition caused by prolonged use of technology. Additional symptoms may include headaches, fatigue, loss of focus, blurred vision, double vision or head and neck pain.  I totally agree with this because I sit in front of a computer all day and have almost all of these symptoms.  I get up and walk around for a bit or read a book for a while.  Just do something to take your eyes off the screen for a while and you’ll feel much better!

This little guy’s eyes are important to me.  By following these simple steps below you can help prevent digital eye strain:

Children should make sure they practice the 20-20-20 rule: when using technology or doing near work, take a 20-second break, every 20 minutes and view something 20 feet away.

To help prevent or reduce eye and vision problems associated with digital eye strain and exposure to blue light, the AOA recommends:

• Checking the height and position of the device. Computer screens should be four to five inches below eye level and 20 to 28 inches away from the eyes. Digital devices should be held a safe distance away from eyes and slightly below eye level.

• Checking for glare on the screen. Windows or other light sources should not be directly visible when sitting in front of a computer monitor. If this happens, turn the desk or computer to prevent glare on the screen. Also consider adjusting the brightness of the screen on your digital device or changing its background color.

• Reducing the amount of lighting in the room to match the computer screen. A lower-wattage light can be substituted for a bright overhead light or a dimmer switch may be installed to give flexible control of room lighting.

• Adjusting font size. Increase the size of text on the screen of the device to make it easier on your eyes when reading.

• Keep blinking. Frequent blinking reduces the chances for developing dry eye by keeping the front surface of the eye moist.

The AOA recommends every child have an eye exam by an optometrist soon after six months of age, before age three and every year thereafter.

Children now have the benefit of yearly comprehensive eye exams thanks to the Pediatric Essential Health Benefit in the Affordable Act, through age 18.

Please click here for a press release with additional information

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