Classrooms around the country are becoming increasingly high-tech, and teachers are incorporating 3D imaging, digital devices and the latest computer applications into their daily curriculum. While these devices can greatly enhance learning, they also enhance the demands of the visual system and increase the importance of proper eye and vision care.
Prolonged use of these technologies can cause eye strain, headaches, fatigue, burning or tired eyes, loss of focus, blurred vision, double vision or head and neck pain. This condition has been called by the American Optometric Association, computer vision syndrome (CVS). CVS occurs when eye or vision problems related to near work are experienced during or related to using digital devices.
Students can help avoid CVS by practicing the 20-20-20 rule. At least every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and view something 20 feet away. Studies show that people need to rest their eyes to keep them moist, and comfortable. Plus, staring off into the distance helps the eyes from locking into a close-up position, which causes blur or fluctuation in vision far away. The AOA further recommends that students take a 15-minute break for every two hours spent on computers or other digital devices.
Many of these issues can be further held in check with good ergonomics and yearly, comprehensive eye exams by an optometrist who not only checks nearsightedness and farsightedness but also checks binocular vision, and the focusing abilities of the patient. As is true with most things, the earlier a vision problem is detected and treated, the more likely treatment will be successful.
It is also important to keep in mind, a school vision screening, while helpful, is not a substitute for a comprehensive eye examination. Screenings vary in scope and are not designed to detect many visual problems that can significantly impact tasks like reading where more than clarity of vision is needed. This is especially true in today’s increasingly high-tech classrooms, where the use of laptops, tablets and other digital devices are used throughout the day.
So as the first day of school is quickly approaching, and most parents are busily making their way through a list of “to-dos”: shopping for school clothes, making appointments for immunizations and physicals, trips to the store for pencils, pens, paper and all the other “must-haves” for the classroom. Add to the list an appointment with an optometrist to make sure your child’s eye are seeing well, and performing appropriately for these “high-tech” classrooms.
For more information contact: Dr. Chad Vaughn, Vaughn Vision, 170 S Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. 518 306-5290
