Tips to Prevent Computer Related Vision Problems
August 20, 2007
The American Optometric Association (AOA) warns that children heading back to school are at risk for developing Computer Vision Syndrome, which leaves them vulnerable to problems like dry eye, eyestrain and fatigue.
Too much time in front of a computer screen can lead to eye discomfort, fatigue, blurred vision and headaches. However, some unique aspects of how children use computers may make them even more susceptible than adults to these problems. According to VSP Vision Care, nearly half of U.S. children spend four hours a day or more using computers or other portable electronic devices.
Parents should consider these issues concerning children’s use of computers:
- Children have a limited degree of self-awareness. Prolonged activity without a significant break can cause eye focusing problems and eye irritation.
- Children are very adaptable. As a result, children often work in an unhealthy situation — such as with glare on the computer screen — and might not even think about changing the computer arrangement or surroundings to achieve more comfortable viewing. This can result in excessive eye strain.
- Also, children often accept blurred vision caused by nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia) or astigmatism because they think everyone sees the way they do.
- Children are not the same size as adults. Most computer workstations are arranged for adult use. Therefore, a child using a computer on a typical office desk often must look upward at a higher angle than an adult.
- The lighting level for the proper use of a computer is about half as bright as that normally found in a classroom. Increased light levels can contribute to excessive glare and problems associated with adjustments of the eye to different levels of light.
Children have different needs to comfortably use a computer. A small amount of effort can help reinforce appropriate viewing habits and assure comfortable and enjoyable computer use.
In preparation for a healthy school year, the AOA offers parents these tips for preventing Computer Vision Syndrome in children:
- Have your child’s vision checked before beginning school.
- Strictly enforce the amount of time that children may continuously use the computer, with a 20 second break for every 20 minutes of use.
- Check the height and arrangement of the computer, which are generally adjusted for adults.
- Check the lighting for glare on the computer screen (try holding a mirror flat against the screen to look for light sources reflecting off the screen).
- Reduce the amount of lighting in the room to match the computer.
Contact Lens Wearers Should Use Compatible Cleaning Solution
July 27, 2007
Contact lens wearers should use compatible cleaning solutions. Sounds obvious, doesn’t it? But I realized that my eye care professional never recommended a specific product or brand.
Over the years, he has prescribed for me at least four different contact lenses (ACUVUE 2, ACUVUE ADVANCE, ACUVUE OASYS, O2OPTIX). My parting goodie bag from each annual eye exam typically includes a replacement contact lens case, a trial size bottle of some solution and a coupon. So I asked a few other contact lens wearers and they all reported similar experiences.
For years, I’ve been buying solutions that offer the best bang for the buck at Costco. But I’ve become enlightened. Here’s why…
April 2006, Bausch and Lomb suffered a public relations nightmare surrounding their delayed product recall of ReNu with MosturLoc. It created consumer awareness how poor maintenance habits and possible contaminants may lead to serious eye infections.
June 2007, Advanced Medical Optics (AMO) issued a product recall of AMO Complete MoisturePlus contact lens solution due to a high risk of eye infection among users of the product.
Supposedly, the issue of bio-compatibility is being taken more seriously now and your eye doctor should have access to updated industry information to make better recommendations.
If you, your spouse or your child wears contact lenses, consider the following:
- Be extra vigilant to follow the maintenance advice of the eye doctor and manufacturer to keep your eyes healthy.
- Check out the compatibility stain grids below.
- Use a reputable brand of cleaning solution. (Don’t substitute tap water or spit.)
- If you or someone you know is experiencing corneal staining or discomfort, consider testing a different contact lens cleaning solution to see if the condition improves.
- Consult with your eye care professional.
Your eyes are precious. Don’t take short cuts that could affect your eye health.
-BD
Related Links:
Hydrogel / Silicon Hydrogel contact lens and multipurpose solution stain grid
Japanese study of Silicon Hydrogel and multipurpose contact lens solution.
Prevent Injuries. Celebrate Independence Day Without Fireworks
June 20, 2007
Saw this in Contact Lens Today:
Prevent Blindness America (PBA) is urging Americans to celebrate the Fourth of July holiday without fireworks. According to the U.S Eye Injury Registry, bystanders are injured by fireworks more often that operators. And, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that during the 2005 Fourth of July weekend, 6,500 people were treated in emergency rooms across the country due to accidents caused by fireworks. There was also an increase in firework-related injuries, with 10,800 for the year of 2005, vs. 1,400 injuries in 2004. PBA’s Safe Summer Celebrations brochure offers fun, fireworks-free activities and tips on fireworks safety. Call 1-800-331-2020 or visit http://www.preventblindness.org to obtain a copy.
I remember the 4th of July 1976 playing with sparklers in the backyard. A few years later I was lighting a variety of fire crackers, Jumping Jacks, Bottle Rockets, etc. anywhere and everywhere, without parental supervision. I would even make smoke bombs filled with the powder painstakingly gathered from duds. These were lit in plastic balls and walnut shells. Sometimes we set carved boats out on the pond and blew them up. Jeez, if my parents only knew.
Read more
Contact Lens Wearers: Safety Recall Notice
June 12, 2007
For those of you who wear contact lenses or have members of the family that wear contact lenses, please be aware that a safety recall notice was issued by Advanced Medical Optics (AMO) to stop using AMO Complete MoisturePlus contact lens solution.
There was a high risk of eye infection among users of the product so AMO decided to remove the product completely from market as a preventative measure.
Users of this product are advised to discontinue use of AMO Complete MoisturePlus and call 1-888-899-9183 or visit www.amo-inc.com for additional information regarding this recall and how to return the product.
Complete details about this recall can be found here in this email sent to Eye Care Professionals.
You might recall in April 2006, Bausch & Lomb faced a PR nightmare by waiting too long to react and issue a safety recall notice for their ReNu with MosturLoc product. At least AMO is taking swift action to pull their product from market.
-BD
Healthy Eyes For Adults
May 14, 2007
We dads spend a lot of time taking care of others (family, clients, co-workers, friends, neighbors) but often neglect ourselves. I’m here to remind you that taking care of your eyes is just as important as taking care of the rest of you.
I suggest you checkout Episode 100 of The Mac Review Cast
They discuss eye conditions, eye strain caused by staring at computer screens for long periods of time, the pros/cons of using a desktop vs. laptop computer, eye glasses vs. contact lenses, Operating System magnification options and more.
It starts about 13 minutes into the episode. Of course, if you are a Mac user, listen to the whole podcast. There’s lot’s of good info each week.
I hope you find this useful.
-BD
Kids and Cavities, Sugar and Water
May 3, 2007
Kids are getting more cavities these days. Be A Good Dad posted good thoughts on oral hygeine that I suggest you check out.
In our household we make the kids brush twice a day. That hasn’t really been a problem.
Consumption of sweets is strictly managed. Everyone has a bag (high out of reach) with their respective candy stash of candy from Halloween, Easter, parties, etc.
We don’t let the kids drink soda yet.
Getting them all to drink water instead of apple juice has been a huge headache. Awesome Mom and I try to set a good example and drink water all the time. Not a problem since we genuinely love water.
My six year old drinks nothing but filtered water. His younger brother loves both milk and water. That’s great.
Our oldest twin (age eight) gets angry if he can’t have apple juice and screams at his six year old brother who loves water. The countless fits and arguements are mind-numbing.
For us, a little over a year ago we had a terrible scare. Our youngest (then age three) had to be hospitalized for dehydration. He had gotton a rhino virus and wasn’t eating or drinking. He was lathargic and his skin was pale. In the hospital, they had him hooked to an IV for a day and a half.
I think that incident left a positive impression about drinking water in at least three of my four boys.
As we head into the summer months, be sure to keep your little ones hydrated on trips to the ballfield, parks, city, mall, etc.
-BD
May is Healthy Vision Month
May 3, 2007
There’s a day/week/month for everything. Well, May is Healthy Vision Month.
According to Contact Lenses Today:
The National Eye Institute observes Health Vision month in May, an annual observance designed to raise awareness of the importance of eye care for those at risk for developing eye and vision problems. This year’s observance highlights the importance of early glaucoma detection. The NEI is encouraging patients to get a dilated eye exam and to spread the word to family and friend using its e-cards and brochures. For more information, visit http://www.nei.nih.gov/glaucoma.
Related links:
Study claims children/teens benefit from contact lenses
