A child’s eye health and safety can greatly impact their life. Therefore, it is essential to have an eye doctor who can help protect their eyes from potential diseases, conditions, and sports-related injuries. This August, celebrate children’s eye health and safety month by furthering your knowledge on the subject to prevent future issues.

What Eye Doctors Want You to Know About Children’s Health

Prioritize UV Protection

Most of us are aware of the damaging effects of UV radiation on our skin, but many are unaware of its effect on the eyes. Short-term sun exposure may contribute to photokeratitis or “sunburn” of the cornea. This typically presents as red, painful eyes with a sandy or gritty sensation. These may also be accompanied by excessive tearing and light sensitivity. This can usually be treated and is temporary.

Long-term sun exposure has potential for more permanent and serious damage such as macular degeneration and cataracts. It may also contribute to the formation of a pinguecula/pterygium — a yellow growth on the white part of the eye that may further grow onto the cornea. The longer your eyes are exposed to UV radiation, the greater the risk for damage, and so it is crucial to start protecting your eyes at an early age — since childhood. We recommend wearing sunglasses that block out 99 to 100 percent of UV-A and UV-B.

Combat Computer Eye Strain

As children spend more time in front of computer screens and cellphones, there is an increased concern about potential harm to their visual development. Since 1971, the incidence of nearsightedness in the U.S. nearly doubled to 42 percent. Part of the increase in nearsightedness has to do with work activities — including working on digital devices and cellphones. Spending time outdoors can slow the progression of this.

Increased screen time can lead to complaints of dry eye, headaches, eye strain, blurry vision, and insomnia. These symptoms are typically temporary but may be frequent or persistent. Here are some tips to help protect your child’s eyes from computer eyestrain:

• Give your eyes a break by blinking and following the 20-20-20 rule. Take a break every 20 minutes by looking at an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Looking into the distance allows your eyes to relax.
• Avoid using a computer outside or in brightly lit areas, as the glare on the screen can create strain. Try using a matte screen filter.
• Adjust the brightness and contrast of your computer screen so that it feels comfortable to you. If a screen is much brighter than the surrounding light, your eyes have to work harder to see.
• Use good posture when using a computer and when reading.
• Keep your distance because the eyes have to work harder to see close up. Try keeping the monitor or screen at arm’s length — about 25 inches away. Position the screen so your eye gaze is slightly downward. Hold hand-held digital media 18 to 25 inches away.
• Use artificial tears help lubricate your eyes when they feel dry.
• Stop using devices before bed because blue light may affect the body’s circadian rhythm — the natural wake and sleep cycle. During the day, blue light wakes you up and stimulates you. So, too much blue light exposure late at night from your phone or other devices may make it harder to get to sleep.

Wear Protective Sports Eyewear

Lastly, about 30,000 people in the U.S. go to emergency departments each year with sports-related eye injuries. These injuries can range from corneal abrasions to more serious, vision-threatening injuries, such as a retinal detachment or intraocular penetration.

Most often, those who sustain sports-related eye injuries are 18 years old or younger. For this reason, eye doctors strongly urge parents make sure that children wear protective eyewear while playing sports.

For basketball, racquet sports, soccer and field hockey, wear protective eyewear with polycarbonate lenses.  Athletes who wear contacts or glasses should also wear appropriate protective eyewear. Contacts offer no protection and glasses do not provide enough defense. Professional athletes should also wear sports goggles that meet national standards.

To learn more ways to keep your eyes healthy, visit the American Academy of Ophthalmology’s EyeSmart® website. To schedule your comprehensive exam today with an eye doctor at Digby Eye Associates, please contact our Greensboro office at (336) 230-1010 or our office High Point office at (336) 454-2020. Also, learn more about eye issues — such as cataracts, dry eye, and blindness — and our services online.

Dr. Niyati Patel joined Digby Eye Associates in 2012 and is a native of North Carolina. She received her undergraduate degree in biology from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and her Doctor of Optometry from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She continued her training by completing a residency at W.G. (Bill) Hefner VA Medical Center in Salisbury, NC. There she gained experience in diagnosing and treating various ocular diseases including cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic eye disease and macular degeneration.

Dr. Patel is trained in fitting a wide variety of contact lenses, including specialty lenses for complex corneas. She also provides excellent primary eye care services.

Dr. Patel is an active member of the American Optometric Association, American Academy of Optometry, and the North Carolina State Optometric Society. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, outdoor activities, and spending time with family and friends.