Best Eye Exam Toledo | Vision Associates

1. Effects of Computers on Teen Vision What does too much screen time do to vision? Maybe more importantly, what does it do to our children’s vision? The topic has been subject to quite a bit of debate. It’s been proven that too much screen time late at night can affect sleep. In addition, too much screen time can cause what’s being called “Computer Vision Syndrome.” Too much screen time may have other effects on health as well. So what exactly can computer use and other screen time affect teen vision? Computer Vision Syndrome In recent years, the term Computer Vision Syndrome has gained currency as a way to describe a certain set of symptoms from screen time. Computer Vision Syndrome isn’t limited to computers, though. In fact, some symptoms can be worse with tablets and phones! Computer Vision Syndrome symptoms include: DRY EYES THE FEELING OF STRAINED EYES BLURRY VISION NECK OR SHOULDER PAINS HEADACHE It’s true that these symptoms can have other causes. But if you or your teen are experiencing them while spending large portions of the day on-screen, it’s a good idea to talk to your eye doctor at Vision Associates. He or she can go over several different solutions with you. Treatment for Computer Vision Syndrome 1 There are four different ways to deal with CVS. Fortunately, three are free, and the fourth is not expensive at all! They just take a little time and effort. The first solution is to cut out some of the blue light that emanates from the screen. Staring into too much of this blue light can cause eye strain. It can also disrupt the body’s natural circadian rhythm, making it difficult to get to sleep and to sleep well. 2 Another good solution for computer vision eye strain is for your teenager to simply step away from the screen every 20-30 minutes and focus on an object at least 20 feet away. 3 A third solution is to simply cut back the total amount of screen time in any given day. This can sound drastic – especially to a teenager! – but most children and teenagers adjust well after just a few days. 4 Finally, you can have your teenager’s glasses made with a special coating to filter out excess blue light. This is something you can ask about during your next eye exam at Vision Associates. Vision Associates, Inc. is a distinctive group of specialized ophthalmologists and optometrists offering services from routine exams to the medical and surgical treatment of complicated eye problems. 419-578-2020 | www.visionassociates.net