Understanding Digital Eye Strain and How to Prevent It

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Today’s technology has advanced many fields and enhanced the lives of millions around the world. However, like all things, there are both good and not so good sides to technology. One of the problems that we have to deal with now—which our ancestors didn’t—is digital eye strain. More and more often, your optometrist in Jesup, GA is seeing cases of patients who are experiencing digital eye strain. Learn more about what it is, the causes, the symptoms and how to prevent it.

What is Digital Eye Strain?

Digital eye strain is a unique kind of eye strain that comes from long hours spent staring at screens. Symptoms include red eyes, headache, blurred vision, dry eyes and more.

Causes of Digital Eye Strain

Basically, staring at screens causes digital eye strain. Staring is the right word to use, since studies have shown that people blink well over 50% fewer times per minute when using a computer. The average person normally blinks between 14 and 17 times in a minute. When using a computer, the average person blinks only 5 times a minute. That’s important, because blinking is needed to keep eyes moist.

Another leading factor is blue light. Computer screens, laptops, tablets and cell phones emit blue light. This is quite harsh on the eyes and contributes to digital eye strain, sleepless nights and more. The sleepless nights occur when a person uses a device before bed. The blue light interferes with the body’s natural circadian rhythm, and makes it harder to sleep. In a roundabout way, this can contribute to digital eye strain, too, since the eyes need their rest at night just like the rest of the body.

Preventing Eye Strain

  • Consider taking steps to reduce eye strain, such as:
  • Sit a minimum of 2 feet away from your computer screen.
  • Lower brightness levels on tablets and cell phones.
  • Light the room when using screens.
  • Install a blue light filter app on your devices.
  • Consciously try to blink more often.

If you find that you’re experiencing digital eye strain and it’s affecting your vision even when not using a device, come in to Vision Source for an eye exam in Jesup, GA.

Why Eye Exams Are so Important

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Eye exams are critical to healthcare, as your eye doctor in Pittsburgh, PA, can tell you. These exams go beyond simply determining a prescription for eyeglasses or contact lenses; they are a critical tool for assessing overall eye health and can detect early signs of serious health conditions. Understanding the importance of regular eye exams can help prioritize eye health as part of an individual’s comprehensive health care plan.

Spotting Conditions Early

Regular eye exams are pivotal in the early detection of eye diseases, many of which can be asymptomatic in their initial stages. Conditions such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, and cataracts can be identified early on through routine screenings. Early detection is often key to effective treatment and can prevent more severe vision impairment or loss.

Adapting to Vision Needs

As individuals age, vision naturally changes. An eye exam can monitor these changes and adjust prescriptions for glasses or contact lenses accordingly. This ensures optimal vision correction, which is crucial for daily tasks such as reading, driving, and using digital devices, thereby improving quality of life and reducing the risk of accidents due to poor vision.

Window to Overall Health

The eyes are unique because they allow eye doctors in Pittsburgh, PA, to view blood vessels and nerves without invasive procedures. This makes eye exams a window into one’s overall health. Conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol can be detected through changes in the eyes’ blood vessels. An eye exam can provide early signs of these systemic conditions, allowing for timely medical intervention.

A Proactive Approach

Regular eye exams ensure preventive healthcare. By scheduling routine visits to the eye doctor, individuals can take a proactive stance toward maintaining their eye health and overall well-being. This proactive approach can lead to early intervention, reduced healthcare costs, and improved health outcomes.

The importance of eye exams transcends mere vision correction. These exams are critical for early disease detection, monitoring vision changes, identifying potential systemic health issues, and supporting children’s academic and social development. By prioritizing regular eye exams, you can safeguard their vision and contribute to their overall health and well-being. Contact us today to book your next eye exam in Pittsburgh, PA!

When Should My Child Have Their First Eye Exam?

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As a parent, you always want the best for your child, and ensuring their overall health includes taking care of their eyesight. Scheduling their first eye exam is an essential step in monitoring their visual development and detecting any potential issues early on. But when exactly should your child have their first eye exam?

Infant Eye Exams

Believe it or not, your child’s first eye exam should take place much earlier than you might think. The American Optometric Association (AOA) recommends that infants undergo their initial comprehensive eye exam between 6 and 12 months of age. This early examination allows eye doctors to detect any potential vision problems or eye conditions that could impact your child’s visual development.

Preschool Eye Exams

The next milestone in your child’s eye care journey is during their preschool years. The AOA suggests that children have another eye exam around the age of 3. At this stage, your eye doctor in Jesup, GA will evaluate your child’s visual acuity, eye alignment, and overall eye health. Early detection of any vision problems can help ensure that your child is ready for school and able to learn effectively.

School-Age Eye Exams

As your child enters school, regular eye exams become even more critical. The AOA recommends that school-age children without any known vision problems have an eye exam every two years. However, if your child wears glasses or contacts, or if they have a known eye condition, annual exams are recommended.

Keep in mind that school vision screenings, while very helpful, are not a substitute for a comprehensive eye exam by a professional eye doctor. These screenings may detect some vision problems, but they can miss other issues that a comprehensive eye exam is more likely to catch.

Remember, your child’s first eye exam should take place during infancy, with subsequent exams at age 3 and then every two years during their school years. Ensuring regular eye exams for your child can help detect vision problems early, allowing for timely intervention and treatment. Maintaining your child’s eye health is a crucial part of their overall well-being and success in school and life. Book an eye exam in Jesup, GA for your child today.

What Conditions Will a Standard Eye Exam Diagnose?

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Even when you can see just fine, a yearly eye exam in Jesup, GA is a must. These exams don’t just assess your vision, they can also catch eye disorders or conditions well before they have a chance to advance to a more serious stage of development. We’ll look at what an eye doctor in Brunswick, GA is looking for, and why it’s important to find someone who can assess your progress from year to year.

How An Eye Exam Works

The eye doctor in St. Marys, GA will usually start with your personal and family health history, which can tell them a lot about the state of your eyes. Hereditary eye conditions may not manifest immediately for some, so it helps the eye doctor to strategize the best course of treatment for you. They’ll test not just how well you can see the last line on the chart, but also your depth perception, your vision with one eye (vs. both eyes), eye muscle movements, response to light, and your peripheral vision.

Common Diagnosable Conditions

An eye exam in Brunswick, GA can help the doctor diagnose any of the following:

  • Glaucoma: This condition affects the optic nerve. If it’s damaged for any reason, whether it’s due to advancing age or a one-off injury, it can cause vision loss.
  • Macular degeneration: This condition affects the retina of the eye. As you age, the pigmented portion may break down, which can cause vision loss.
  • Diabetic retinopathy: Most people experience some degree of retina damage over time, but diabetes (either type I or type II) can cause this damage to quicken.
  • Cataracts: This condition causes the lens of the eye to go from clear to yellow. While most commonly associated with older people, it can affect people of all ages.

Eye Doctors in Brunswick

From dry eye to childhood vision disorders, an eye exam is the chance for the doctor to see how your eyes are responding to certain stimuli. If you can remember the date of your last exam or you’ve otherwise put it off, Vision Source Family Eye Care can help you put it back on your radar. Contact us today to schedule an appointment or to ask any questions you have about our exams.