August 2022 Children’s Eye Health & Safety Month

August 2022 Children’s Eye Health & Safety Month

Is Too Much Screen Time Harming Children’s Vision?

Acuity Eye Center Lahore Pakistan and the American Academy of Ophthalmology help parents separate facts from fiction.

As children spend more time tethered to screens, there is increasing concern about potential harm to their visual development. Ophthalmologists – physicians who specialize in medical and surgical eye care – are seeing a marked increase in children with dry eye and eye strain from too much screen time. But does digital eyestrain cause lasting damage? Should your child use reading glasses or computer glasses? As you send your kids back to school this month for more time with screens and books, Acuity Eye Center Lahore Pakistan and the American Academy of Ophthalmology are arming parents with the facts, so they can make informed choices about their children’s eye health.

It’s a fact that there is a worldwide epidemic of myopia, also known as nearsightedness. Since 1971, the incidence of nearsightedness in the US nearly doubled, to 42 percent. In Asia, up to 90 percent of teenagers and adults are nearsighted. Clearly, something is going on. But scientists can’t agree on exactly what.

A new study appearing in Ophthalmology, the journal of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, offers further evidence that at least part of the worldwide increase in nearsightedness has to do with near work activities; not just screens but also traditional books. And, that spending time outdoors—especially in early childhood—can slow the progression of nearsightedness. It remains unclear whether the rise in nearsightedness is due to focusing on phones all the time, to light interacting with our circadian rhythms to influence eye growth or none of the above.

Digital Strain

Digital Strain

While scientists look for a definitive answer, there is no doubt that most computer users experience digital eyestrain. Kids are no different from adults when it comes to digital eyestrain. They can experience dry eye, eye strain, headaches, and blurry vision, too. While symptoms are typically temporary, they may be frequent and persistent.

But this doesn’t mean they need a prescription for computer glasses or that they have developed an eye condition of middle-age that requires reading glasses, as some suggest. It also doesn’t mean that blue light coming from computer screens is damaging their eyes. It means they need to take more frequent breaks. This is because we don’t blink as often while using computers and other digital devices. Extended reading, writing, or other intensive work can also cause eye strain. Ophthalmologists recommend taking a 20-second break from near work every 20 minutes.

Here are 10 tips to help protect your child’s eyes from computer eyestrain

Here are 10 tips to help protect your child’s eyes from computer eyestrain:

• Set a kitchen timer or a smart device timer to remind them.
• Alternate reading an e-book with a real book and encourage kids to look up and out the window every two chapters

20-20-20 Rule

• After completing a level in a video game, look out the window for 20 seconds.
• Pre-mark books with a paperclip every few chapters to remind your child to look up. On an e-book, use the “bookmark” function for the same effect.
• Avoid using a computer outside or in brightly lit areas, as the glare on the screen can create strain.
• Adjust the brightness and contrast of your computer screen so that it feels comfortable for you.
• Use good posture when using a computer and when reading.

Encourage your child to hold digital media farther away, 18 to 24 inches is ideal.

• Encourage your child to hold digital media farther away, 18 to 24 inches is ideal.
• Create a distraction that causes your child to look up every now and then.
• Remind them to blink when watching a screen.

“I prefer to teach kids better habits, instead of supplying them a crutch like reading glasses to enable them to consume even more media,” said K. David Epley, M.D., clinical spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology. “If you run too far and your legs start hurting, you stop. Likewise, if you’ve been reading too long or watching videos too long, and your eyes start hurting, you should stop.”

Here is the message from our lead consultant Professor Dr. Zia Ul Mazhry,

"Your child’s vision is critical and even more critical is protecting it during everyday activities. Eye injuries occur most commonly during outdoor sports or athletics. The parents and guardians need to pay close attention as a caregiver. If the kids are left alone, will often opt to not wear protective eyewear when playing sports, let alone a helmet, due to a number of reasons. Therefore, it’s up to you to ensure your child’s eyes and vision are kept safe."

About the American Academy of Ophthalmology

The American Academy of Ophthalmology is the world’s largest association of eye physicians and surgeons. A global community of 32,000 medical doctors, we protect sight and empower lives by setting the standards for ophthalmic education and advocating for our patients and the public. We innovate to advance our profession and to ensure the delivery of the highest-quality eye care. Our EyeSmart® program provides the public with the most trusted information about eye health. For more information, visit aao.org.

Contact Our Team:

If you are looking for any of the below services, please fill out the form below, one of our team members will get in to provide you with full facilitation:

1– Comprehensive Primary Eye Exam/ Consultation

Consultation ::: Adult Eye Examination and Consultation

Consultation ::: Children Eye Examination Refraction Consultation

Consultation ::: Infant Eye Examination Refraction Consultation

2-Secondary Follow-up Eye Examination and Consultations

Followup ::: Examination under Sedation for Kids (After Initial Consultation)

Followup ::: Dilated Fundus Examination(DFE)

Followup ::: Cycloplegic Refraction and DFE

3-Diagnostic Eye Test

Diagnostic ::: OCT

Diagnostic ::: Angio OCT

Diagnostic ::: Anterior Segment OCT

Diagnostic ::: Pachymetry

Diagnostic ::: Perimetry / Visual Fields

Diagnostic ::: Hess Chart/Digital Squint Assessment/Digital Diplopia Test

Diagnostic ::: Digital Colour vision test

August is Children’s Eye Health & Safety Month

Seven Myths About Children’s Eyes

Acuity Eye Center Lahore Pakistan and the American Academy of Ophthalmology reveal seven common misunderstandings about children's eye health.

ایکوئٹی آئی سنٹر لاہور پاکستان اور امریکن اکیڈمی آف اوفتھلمولوجی بچوں کی آنکھوں کی صحت کے بارے میں سات عام غلط نظریات کے بارے میں آگہی فراہم کر رہی ہے۔

Think you have the facts on your child’s eye care? When is the right time to have their eyes checked? Is too much screen time damaging their eyes? Do they need to wear sunglasses? There are a lot of myths and misinformation out there about children’s eye health. Don’t turn to Dr. Google for answers, ask your ophthalmologist — a physician who specializes in medical and surgical eye care — if you want to set your child up for a lifetime of good vision.

ان کی آنکھوں کی جانچ پڑتال کرنے کا صحیح وقت کب ہے؟ کیا بہت زیادہ اسکرین ٹائم ان کی آنکھوں کو نقصان پہنچا رہا ہے؟ کیا انہیں دھوپ میں پہننے والے چشمے کی ضرورت ہے؟ بچوں کی آنکھوں کی صحت کے بارے میں بہت ساری غلط معلومات ہیں۔امراض چشم کے ماہر ڈاکٹر سے اس بارے پوچھیں ۔اگر آپ اپنے بچوں کو زندگی بھر اچھی نظر کے ساتھ دیکھنا چاہتے ہیں۔

Here, Acuity Eye Center Lahore Pakistan and the American Academy of Ophthalmology debunk seven common myths about children’s eye health:

Pink eye only happens in young children

While young kids are known for getting pink eye, due to close contact in daycare centers, so can teenagers, college students, and adults — especially those who don’t clean their contacts properly. The best way to keep the pink eye from spreading is to practice good hygiene, including washing your hands, not touching your eyes, and using clean towels and other products around the face.

Antibiotics are necessary to cure your child’s pink eye

Antibiotics are rarely necessary to treat pink eye. There are three types of pink eye: viral, bacterial, and allergic conjunctivitis. Most cases are caused by viral infections or allergies and do not respond to antibiotics. Antibiotics may be prescribed for bacterial conjunctivitis depending on severity. Mild cases of bacterial conjunctivitis usually resolve on their own within 7 to 14 days without treatment.

گلابی آنکھ کا علاج کرنے کے لئے اینٹی بائیوٹکس شاذ و نادر ہی ضروری ہیں۔ گلابی آنکھ کی تین اقسام ہیں: وائرل ، بیکٹیریل اور الرجک آشوب چشم۔ زیادہ تر گلابی آنکھیں وائرل انفیکشن یا الرجی کی وجہ سے ہوتی ہیں اور اینٹی بائیوٹکس سے ٹھیک نہیں ہوتی ہیں۔ اینٹی بائیوٹکس بیکٹیریل آشوب چشم کیلئے تجویز کیا جاسکتی ہیں۔ بیکٹیریل آشوب چشم عام طور پر بغیر علاج کے 7 سے 14 دن کے اندر خود ہی ٹھیک ہوجاتے ہیں۔

Sun is bad for your eyes

While it’s true that long-term exposure to the sun without proper protection can increase the risk of eye disease, some studies suggest sun exposure is necessary for normal visual development. Children who have less sun exposure seem to be at higher risk for developing myopia or nearsightedness. Just make sure they’re protected with UV-blocking sunglasses and sunscreen.

Blue light from screens is damaging children’s vision

Contrary to what you may be reading on the Internet, blue light is not blinding you or your screen-obsessed kids. While it is true that nearsightedness is becoming more common, blue light isn’t the culprit. In fact, we are exposed to much more blue light naturally from the sun than we are from our screens.

The important thing to remember is to take frequent breaks. The Academy recommends a 20-20-20 rule: look at an object at least 20 feet away every 20 minutes for at least 20 seconds.

Vision loss only happens to adults

The eyes of a child with amblyopia (lazy eye) may look normal, but this eye condition can steal sight if not treated. Amblyopia is when vision in one of the child’s eyes is reduced because the eye and brain are not working together properly. Strabismus (crossed eyes) is another eye condition that can cause vision loss in a child. Strabismus is when the eyes do not line up in the same direction when focusing on an object.

ایمبلائےاوپیا (سست آنکھ) والے بچے کی آنکھیں معمول کی طرح نظر آسکتی ہیں ، لیکن علاج نہ ہونے کی صورت میں آنکھ کی یہ حالت نظر کو چوری کر سکتی ہے۔ ایمبلائےاوپیا (سست آنکھ) اس وقت ہوتا ہے جب بچے کی آنکھوں میں سے کسی کی بینائی کم ہوجاتی ہے کیونکہ آنکھ اور دماغ ایک ساتھ کام نہیں کررہےہوتے ہیں۔ سٹرابیسمس آنکھوں کی ایک اور حالت ہے جو کسی بچے میں بینائی کی کمی کا سبب بن سکتی ہے۔ جب کسی شے پر توجہ مرکوز کرتے وقت آنکھیں ایک ہی سمت میں نہیں کھڑی ہوتی ہیں تو اسٹرابیزمس ہوتا ہے

All farsighted children need glasses

Most children are farsighted early in life. It’s actually normal. It doesn’t necessarily mean your child needs glasses because they use their focusing muscles to provide clear vision for both distance and near vision. Children do need glasses when their farsightedness blurs their vision or leads to strabismus. They will also need glasses if they are significantly more farsighted in one eye compared with the other, a condition that puts them at risk of developing amblyopia.

There is no difference between a vision screening and a vision exam

While it’s true that your child’s eyes should be checked regularly, a less invasive vision screening by a pediatrician, family doctor, ophthalmologist, optometrist, orthoptist, or person trained in vision assessment of preschool children, is adequate for most children. If the screening detects a problem, the child may need to see an ophthalmologist or other eye care professional. A comprehensive exam involves the use of eye drops to dilate the pupil, enabling a more thorough investigation of the overall health of the eye and visual system.

اگرچہ یہ سچ ہے کہ آپ کے بچے کی آنکھوں کی باقاعدگی سے جانچ ہونی چاہئے ، بچوں کے ماہر امور ، فیملی ڈاکٹر ، ماہر نفسیات ، آپٹومیٹرسٹ ، آرتھوپٹسٹ یا پری اسکول کے بچوں کی نظر کی تشخیص میں تربیت یافتہ شخص کے ذریعہ نظر چیک کرنا کافی ہے۔ اگر اسکریننگ سے کسی مسئلے کا پتہ چل جاتا ہے تو ، بچے کو کسی ماہر نفسیات یا آنکھوں کی دیکھ بھال کرنے والے پیشہ ور افراد سے ملنے کی ضرورت پڑسکتی ہے۔ آنکھوں کے معائنے کے دوران طالب علم کی آنکھوں کی پیوپل کو پھیلانے کے لئے آنکھوں کے قطروں کا استعمال شامل ہے ، جس سے آنکھ اور بصری نظام کا اچھی طرح معائنہ ہوتا ہے۔

“As the kids head back to school, show them that you’ve done your homework,” said Dianna Seldomridge, MD, clinical spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology. “Educate yourself so they will have the best chance to preserve their vision for a lifetime.”

Here is the message from our lead consultant Professor Dr. Zia Ul Mazhry,

"Your child’s vision is critical and even more critical is protecting it during everyday activities. Eye injuries occur most commonly during outdoor sports or athletics. The parents and guardian need to pay close attention as a caregiver. If the kids are left alone, will often opt to not wear protective eyewear when playing sports, let alone a helmet, due to a number of reasons. Therefore, it’s up to you to ensure your child’s eyes and vision are kept safe."

آپ کے بچے کی نظر اہم ہے اور اس سے بھی زیادہ اہمیت اس کی روزمرہ کی سرگرمیوں کے دوران حفاظت کرنا ہے۔ آنکھوں کی چوٹیں بیرونی کھیلوں یا ایتھلیٹکس کے دوران عام طور پر لگ جاتی ہیں۔ والدین اور سرپرست کو دیکھ بھال کرنے والے کی حیثیت سے بہت زیادہ توجہ دینے کی ضرورت ہوتی ہے۔ اگر بچوں کو تنہا چھوڑ دیا جاتا ہے تو ، وہ اکثر کھیلوں کے دوران حفاظتی چشمہ پہننے کا انتخاب نہیں کرتے ہیں ،اور متعدد وجوہات کی بنا پر ہیلمٹ چھوڑ دیتے ہیں۔ لہذا ، یہ آپ پر منحصر ہے کہ آپ اپنے بچے کی آنکھوں اور نظر کی حفاظت کو یقینی بنائیں۔

About the American Academy of Ophthalmology

The American Academy of Ophthalmology is the world’s largest association of eye physicians and surgeons. A global community of 32,000 medical doctors, we protect sight and empower lives by setting the standards for ophthalmic education and advocating for our patients and the public. We innovate to advance our profession and to ensure the delivery of the highest-quality eye care. Our EyeSmart® program provides the public with the most trusted information about eye health. For more information, visit aao.org.

Contact Our Team:

If you are looking for any of the below services, please fill the form below, one of our team members will get in to provide you with full facilitation:

1– Comprehensive Primary Eye Exam/ Consultation

Consultation ::: Adult Eye Examination and Consultation

Consultation ::: Children Eye Examination Refraction Consultation

Consultation ::: Infant Eye Examination Refraction Consultation

2-Secondary Follow up Eye Examination and Consultations

Followup ::: Examination under Sedation for Kids (After Initial Consultation)

Followup ::: Dilated Fundus Examination(DFE)

Followup ::: Cycloplegic Refraction and DFE

3-Diagnostic Eye Test

Diagnostic ::: OCT

Diagnostic ::: Angio OCT

Diagnostic ::: Anterior Segment OCT

Diagnostic ::: Pachymetry

Diagnostic ::: Corneal Topography

Diagnostic ::: IOL Master Biometry

Diagnostic ::: Perimetry / Visual Fields

Diagnostic ::: Hess Chart/Digital Squint Assessment/Digital Diplopia Test

Diagnostic ::: Digital Colour vision test

Children’s Eye Health & Safety Month

Children’s Eye Health & Safety Month

August is Children’s Eye Health & Safety Month

Is Too Much Screen Time Harming Children’s Vision?

Acuity Eye Center Lahore Pakistan and the American Academy of Ophthalmology help parents separate the facts from fiction.

As children spend more time tethered to screens, there is increasing concern about potential harm to their visual development. Ophthalmologists – physicians who specialize in medical and surgical eye care – are seeing a marked increase in children with dry eye and eye strain from too much screen time. But does digital eyestrain cause lasting damage? Should your child use reading glasses or computer glasses? As you send your kids back to school this month for more time with screens and books, Acuity Eye Center Lahore Pakistan and the American Academy of Ophthalmology is arming parents with the facts, so they can make informed choices about their children’s eye health.

It’s a fact that there is a world-wide epidemic of myopia, also known as nearsightedness. Since 1971, the incidence of nearsightedness in the US nearly doubled, to 42 percent. In Asia, up to 90 percent of teenagers and adults are nearsighted. Clearly, something is going on. But scientists can’t agree on exactly what.

A new study appearing in Ophthalmology, the journal of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, offers further evidence that at least part of the worldwide increase in nearsightedness has to do with near work activities; not just screens but also traditional books. And, that spending time outdoors—especially in early childhood—can slow the progression of nearsightedness. It remains unclear whether the rise in nearsightedness is due to focusing on phones all the time, or to light interacting with our circadian rhythms to influence eye growth or none of the above.

Digital Strain

While scientists look for a definitive answer, there is no doubt that most computer users experience digital eyestrain. Kids are no different from adults when it comes to digital eyestrain. They can experience dry eye, eye strain, headaches, and blurry vision, too. While symptoms are typically temporary, they may be frequent and persistent.

But this doesn’t mean they need a prescription for computer glasses or that they have developed an eye condition of middle-age that requires reading glasses, as some suggest. It also doesn’t mean that blue light coming from computer screens is damaging their eyes. It means they need to take more frequent breaks. This is because we don’t blink as often while using computers and other digital devices. Extended reading, writing, or other intensive near work can also cause eye strain. Ophthalmologists recommend taking a 20-second break from near work every 20 minutes.

Tips to help protect your child’s eyes from computer eyestrain

Here are 10 tips to help protect your child’s eyes from computer eyestrain:

• Set a kitchen timer or a smart device timer to remind them.
• Alternate reading an e-book with a real book and encourage kids to look up and out the window every two chapters.

20-20-20 Rule

• After completing a level in a video game, look out the window for 20 seconds.
• Pre-mark books with a paperclip every few chapters to remind your child to look up. On an e-book, use the “bookmark” function for the same effect.
• Avoid using a computer outside or in brightly lit areas, as the glare on the screen can create strain.
• Adjust the brightness and contrast of your computer screen so that it feels comfortable to you.
• Use good posture when using a computer and when reading.

Encourage your child to hold digital media farther away, 18 to 24 inches is ideal.

• Encourage your child to hold digital media farther away, 18 to 24 inches is ideal.
• Create a distraction that causes your child to look up every now and then.
• Remind them to blink when watching a screen.

“I prefer to teach kids better habits, instead of supplying them a crutch like reading glasses to enable them to consume even more media,” said K. David Epley, M.D., clinical spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology. “If you run too far and your legs start hurting, you stop. Likewise, if you’ve been reading too long or watching videos too long, and your eyes start hurting, you should stop.”

Here is the message from our lead consultant Professor Dr. Zia Ul Mazhry,

"Your child’s vision is critical and even more critical is protecting it during everyday activities. Eye injuries occur most commonly during outdoor sports or athletic. The parents and guardian need to pay close attention as a caregiver. If the kids are left alone, will often opt to not wear protective eyewear when playing sports, let alone a helmet, due to a number of reasons. Therefore, it’s up to you to ensure your child’s eyes and vision are kept safe."

About the American Academy of Ophthalmology

The American Academy of Ophthalmology is the world’s largest association of eye physicians and surgeons. A global community of 32,000 medical doctors, we protect sight and empower lives by setting the standards for ophthalmic education and advocating for our patients and the public. We innovate to advance our profession and to ensure the delivery of the highest-quality eye care. Our EyeSmart® program provides the public with the most trusted information about eye health. For more information, visit aao.org.

Contact Our Team:

If you are looking for any of below services, please fill the form below, one of our team members will get in to provide you with full facilitation:

1– Comprehensive Primary Eye Exam/ Consultation

Consultation ::: Adult Eye Examination and Consultation

Consultation ::: Children Eye Examination Refraction Consultation

Consultation ::: Infant Eye Examination Refraction Consultation

2-Secondary Follow up Eye Examination and Consultations

Followup ::: Examination under Sedation for Kids (After Initial Consultation)

Followup ::: Dilated Fundus Examination(DFE)

Followup ::: Cycloplegic Refraction and DFE

3-Diagnostic Eye Test

Diagnostic ::: OCT

Diagnostic ::: Angio OCT

Diagnostic ::: Anterior Segment OCT

Diagnostic ::: Pachymetry

Diagnostic ::: Perimetry / Visual Fields

Diagnostic ::: Hess Chart/Digital Squint Assessment/Digital Diplopia Test

Diagnostic ::: Digital Colour vision test