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In this era of advanced technology, it’s hard to keep children (and some adults) away from electronic devices. According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP), in the U.S. on average, children ages 8-12 spend 4-6 hours a day watching or using screens, and teens spend up to 9 hours. Unfortunately, excessive screen time does have an impact on children’s eyes. Current research estimates that by 2050, half of the world’s population will be nearsighted (myopic), with a disproportionate impact on children. So, it’s important to focus on eye health and safety at an early age. While there are general guidelines for various age groups, most experts agree that screen time is not suggested for children under 18 months, except for video-chatting. Families are encouraged to establish screen time guidelines that incorporate breaks and encourage other near-vision activities like reading, writing or drawing. Most of all, it’s important to follow the recommended eye exam guidelines to identify any potential vision issues. 

An eye exam can identify potential eye disorders and diseases in adults and children, even before symptoms present. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), less than 15% of preschool children receive a professional eye exam. Vision problems can have an impact on school performance, including: learning, testing, class participation, behavior, and self-confidence. August is National Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month. The American Optometric Association recommends that children receive: ·       A comprehensive baseline eye exam between 6 months and 12 months of age; ·       A comprehensive eye exam between three and five years of age; and ·       An annual exam prior to entering first grade. Common eye conditions such as Myopia (nearsightedness), Hyperopia (farsightedness), Amblyopia (lazy eye), and Strabismus (crossed eyes) can be detected early and treated. Related to eye safety, the CDC suggests that parents protect their child’s vision by limiting screen time, getting enough sleep, spending time outdoors, eating healthy and using protective eyewear and sunglasses.

Happy Birthday America!

May is Healthy Vision Month. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), approximately 37 million adults in America have retinal diseases such as age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, or glaucoma. These diseases can cause visual impairment or blindness. Studies show that you can reduce your risk of vision loss by getting a comprehensive eye exam and eating a healthy diet. Learn more on how to protect your eyes with the AAO’s popular tips and prevention topics: https://lnkd.in/gy5WkWxw

There are more than 48,000 active physicians in Illinois. On National Doctors’ Day, CiRC recognizes the many contributions physicians make every day to improve lives and communities across the country. 

As with any disease, early diagnosis and intervention is critical. To bring awareness to eye health, March is designated as Save Your Vision Month. This year’s focus is on digital eye strain. The American Optometric Association (AOA) recently released a report called "The impact of unmanaged excessive screen time in the United States." The report notes, “Over 104 million working age Americans spend more than seven hours daily viewing digital screens, leading to health consequences ranging from digital eye strain (DES) or computer vision syndrome (CVS) to headaches, back and neck pain. When these symptoms are unmanaged, they cost an estimated $151 billion to the U.S. health system, worker productivity and wellbeing in 2023. Yet, if the average American exposed to excessive screen time visited a doctor of optometry once per year, there could be an estimated annual gain of up to $45.5 billion in productivity and up to $26.3 billion in wellbeing improvements.” Besides reducing exposure to blue light found in digital devices, the AOA suggests: --Angling your computer 15 to 20 degrees below eye level (about 4 or 5 inches) as measured from the center of the screen, and 20 to 28 inches from the eyes so that you’re viewing downward. --Taking a 15-minute break after 2 hours of device use. Also keep in mind the 20-20-20 rule: for every 20 minutes of computer viewing, gaze at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds to give your eyes a much-needed break. --Blinking to keep the front surface of the eye moist. Last but not least, make sure to schedule your annual in-person comprehensive eye exam today! The AOA report is available here: https://lnkd.in/gntHhFxx

Today, we remember the impact of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. who called for unity and understanding, to create a world where everyone has the opportunity to flourish. #martinlutherkingjr

To all who celebrate, chag sameach!