MORE SCREEN TIME = MORE EYE TROUBLE

Somehow it’s already the end of August and we are busy preparing the kids for back to school season. At the top of your list should be scheduling an eye exam – the basic exam is covered under Alberta Health for everyone age 18 and under, once per year.

The level of visual strain experienced by students is more than ever before, mostly due to the increase in the use of computer screens (phones, tablets and laptops). This higher demand means a greater chance of symptoms such as blurry vision, headaches, or difficulty concentrating. Many of these students will have “normal” 20/20 vision but will start to have trouble as the volume of reading work goes up. It’s important to diagnose any eye teaming, focusing or vision correction problems that may interfere with their daily schoolwork.

Along with the increased use of electronic screens is a rise in the level of myopia (nearsightedness) seen in students worldwide. Myopia is linked to a higher risk for certain types of eye diseases like retinal detachment, glaucoma and cataracts. The good news is that we now have ways to treat myopia . If your child’s eyeglass prescription is rapidly increasing, we need to talk! Book an eye exam and ask about Myopia Therapy. You can also click here for more information on our website.

MORE SCREEN TIME = MORE EYE TROUBLE