Jan 28 - 2016 | I seem to be fielding more and more questions about kids' eye health and how it may or may not be adversely effected by digital devices. I can speak from personal experience that my kids spend a large amount of time glued to tiny screens so here is what I advise moms and dads... [1] the sustained close focus is not damaging to the eye but absolutely can cause eyestrain, dry eyes and headaches. Taking breaks is essential and breaks must be not reading as that uses the same muscles. [2] Blue light from screens and disrupt sleep patterns and is being researched for eye tissue damage. If your child wears glasses consider lenses that limit this light to the eye through coatings (more info from Zeiss and Essilor). [3] Nearsightedness - The jury is still out whether extended cell phone use causes increased amounts of nearsightedness but with the huge cell phone use by today's youth... there will be lots of data on this developing soon! Dr.j www.studioeyecare.com
