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Eyewear to relieve digital eye strain

programmer-1-1534401-1280x960Digital eye strain is a rapidly growing eye health concern. Research has shown that increased use of digital devices across the generations has long-term and short-term implications for eye health and vision.

One of the ways to address digital eye strain is by choosing the right eyewear. While some patients use reading glasses to improve their vision when working on computers and other digital devices, others will benefit from lenses specifically designed to address digital eye strain. Some of the features to consider include:

  • Single-vision lenses designed for computer use. Computers are mid-vision objects, which means that the correction one needs for near vision, such as reading glasses, or distance vision isn’t adequate. Patients who use their computers frequently and for long periods of time often find this type of correction helpful in reducing eye strain.
  • Computer progressive lenses. Like other progressives, these lenses have a smooth transition between different focal lengths. In this case, these offer correction for viewing a computer screen and up-close objects.
  • Anti-reflective coating. This reduces glare from indoor and outdoor light sources.
  • Blue Light filters. These customized filters block out harmful blue light while allowing other beneficial light to pass through.

Patients sometimes choose combinations of features for a custom pair that makes digital work (and play) easier on the eyes. If you are experiencing digital eye strain or spend a good amount of time on devices, talk to us about ways we can help you keep your eyes healthy.

 

Photo courtesy of freeimages.com/Yakimov

Schedule your exam for back-to-school

Eyecare blogWeekends at the beach and plans for end-of-the-summer vacations may still be on your mind, but don’t wait until the thick of the back-to-school season to get annual eye exams on the calendar. The closer we get to the return to school the busier we get, so it’s smart to schedule early.

Back-to-school is an ideal time for children and teachers to have their exams for many reasons:

  • It is estimated that 80 percent of what children learn is processed through their vision. A comprehensive exam will identify any vision problems and correction needs your child might have.
  • Teaching is a demanding profession, and those first months of the year are very busy. Get ahead of the rush with an eye exam in August. This is especially important for teachers who need to address vision problems.
  • School work puts more demands on children’s vision than typical summertime activities. Talk to us about any concerns regarding study habits and digital device use so we can address potential issues sooner versus later.

If it turns out that any of the adults in the family need new glasses or a second pair, we are offering 30 percent off Gucci frames through the end of 2016.

In addition, we now carry Tom Ford sunglasses and frames, a line of fashion-forward eyewear featuring high-quality construction and materials from one of today’s hottest designers.

Please give us a call or schedule online to book an appointment.

Trends in eyewear for kids

Kids in glassesEvery year the return to the classroom brings in several young patients who are choosing glasses for the first time or need to update their old pairs. Eyewear is much more than a fashion accessory, but choosing frames that suit your child’s sense of style makes wearing them a lot more fun. Following are some of the latest trends in eyewear for kids.

  • Color rules! Many eyewear designers are showing styles in a range of fun colors for kids of all ages. Styles favored by boys tend to feature rectangular lenses, while the girls are gravitating toward cat-eye and round shapes.
  • Classic designs that are also popular with adults are a favorite with older kids especially.
  • Younger kids are often won over by styles from brands they are familiar with like Disney, Stride Right and even Marvel Comics.
  • Fashion-oriented brands like Guess and Lucky are a hit with preteens and teens.
  • Durability is always in style! Features like flexible frames, spring hinges and polycarbonate lenses appeal to both parents and kids.

For more information about helping you child choose eyewear, check out our recent post on making the transition to glasses successful.

Back-to-school time can reveal vision problems in children

ID-100345769Children’s eyes get a bit of a break during the summer with less time spent in the classroom. The increased visual demands of the new school year sometimes reveal issues that weren’t apparent over the summer break.

Nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism are the most common issues among school-age children. But other problems also can exist, including misalignment of the eyes (strabismus), reduced vision in one eye (amblyopia or ‘lazy eye’), color vision problems and a variety of others.

Be aware and let us know if you witness your child doing any of the following, as they are signs of a potential issue:

  • Squinting
  • Sitting too close to the TV or holding a book too close
  • Frequently losing place when reading or using a finger as a guide
  • Closing one eye when reading
  • Frequent eye rubbing
  • Sensitivity to light and/or excessive tearing
  • Avoiding reading or computer use
  • Complaints of headaches or tired eyes

According to Prevent Blindness America, one in four children has a vision problem that, if left untreated, can affect learning. So if you suspect your child is having vision problems, it’s important to schedule an eye exam.

* Photo courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos/Stoonn

Your child’s eyes — an important tool for learning

As learning becomes more digital, taking care of kids' eyes is important than ever.

As classroom learning becomes more digital, taking care of kids’ eyes is more important than ever.

With back-to-school time approaching, we want to remind patients how important healthy eyes are to learning.

According to experts, 80 percent of what students are taught is presented visually, which makes healthy eyes one of the most important tools for the classroom. But that’s not the only reason to stay on top of regular check-ups and eye care.

  • According to the American Optometric Association, more than 41 percent of parents report their children use digital devices more than three hours a day. With increasing use of technology at school and home, it’s important to stay on top of issues related to digital eye strain.
  • One in four children has a vision problem that could affect learning if left untreated, per Prevent Blindness America. A comprehensive eye exam is the best way to detect, prevent and treat vision problems.
  • The Vision Council reports that eye care providers are seeing an increase in myopia among children. Research points to the rise in near-vision activities like using digital devices and a decline in time spent outdoors in natural light as possible contributors.

Unfortunately, many parents are unaware of the importance of annual eye exams for kids. More than half (60%) don’t feel an eye exam is an essential part of a child’s healthy checkup schedule, based on a recent survey of more than 1,000 parents. You can find more information on eye health for children here.

The State of Illinois requires that all students entering a public, private or parochial schools, starting at kindergarten, have their eyes examined by a licensed optometrist. Even if your child is returning to the same school, annual exams are recommended for keeping their eyes healthy.