Healthy Habits: Kids and Eye Strain

According to the American Optometric Association’s American Eye-Q® consumer survey, 41% of parents say their kids spend 3 or more hours a day using digital devices and 66 percent of kids have their own smartphone or tablet. While digital technology has become an integral part of our children’s lives and education, the long term effects of extended screen time on young eyes is still relatively unknown. Early research shows that overexposure to these devices could contribute to eye strain and discomfort, and may lead to serious conditions later in life, such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which can cause blindness.

 

In this interview, Barbara L. Horn, O.D., will be sharing information about early signs and symptoms of digital eye strain, how to protect children’s vision by practicing the ‘20-20-20 Rule,’ and most importantly the need for annual comprehensive eye exams prior to each school year to ensure children are prepared to learn with clear, healthy vision.

This segment is brought to you by the American Optometric Association.

For more information go to: www.aoa.org

About Dr. Barbara Horn: Barbara L. Horn, O.D., was first elected to the American Optometric Association Board of Trustees in June 2011. As a member of the AOA Board, Dr. Horn is a member of the AOA Constitution and Bylaws and Finance Committees. She also serves as board liaison to the AOA Commission on Paraoptometric Certification and the Paraoptometric Resource Center. Her board liaison responsibilities also include affiliate associations in Maine, Massachusetts, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont, as well as MCPHS University School of Optometry, New England College of Optometry and State University of New York, State College of Optometry. Dr. Horn has a private practice, ExpertEyes, in Washington, MI. She has two children with her husband, Michael Weisgerber, O.D., Brooke and Mick and two step children, Alexa and Drew.