Vision Health Month

68 % 50 % Percentageofconcussionsthatmay notbereported 5.8 weeks 12.3 weeks Averagetimeto return-to-playwhenusing VisionConcussionProtocol Percentageofthosewitha concussionwhosufferfromvisual symptoms Averagetimeto return-to-playwhenNOTusing VisionConcussionProtocol Ifyouaresufferingfromvisualsymptoms asresultofaconcussion,contactusabout howwemaybeabletohelp. Optometrists Dr.MichaelD.Nelson DrSelenaFriesen www.eyegym.ca 1-1200WaverleyStreet Winnipeg,Manitoba 2044871901 info@eyegym.ca N ow that 60 per cent of us spend five or more hours a day on a digital device, optometrist Dr. Neil Campbell says it's time we think seriously about eye strain. Campbell, who practises at FYidoctors - Winnipeg, at 660 Sterling Lyon Parkway, says many people regularly using smartphones, tablets and computers will soon experience some form of eye strain, if they aren't already. "One issue I see in my practice is adults and children holding their handheld devices too close to their face." Campbell says. "It's common to see devices being held anywhere from 20-30 centimetres away from our eyes whereas the normal reading distance for books is 40 centimetres. Holding a device too close increases the amount our eyes need to turn in to focus, increasing our level of fatigue." Dr. Kim Elcheshen, an optometrist with 20/20 EyeCare, says she's also seeing an increase in device-related eye strain. Studies show strain and other visual symptoms occur in 50 to 90 per cent of people who work with computers on a daily basis. Problems can range from physical fatigue, decreased productivity and increased numbers of work errors, to minor annoyances like eye twitching and red eyes. "Computers have become a lot more important to everyone's lives, from kids to seniors," Elcheshen says. Campbell says the public needs to start thinking about the impact of tech device use on youngsters' vision. "Spending too much time in front of a screen can accelerate nearsightedness," he says. Campbell says text size matters, especially for smaller devices we hold closer to our eyes. "We recommend people turn the font size up to allow it to be held at a further distance from the eyes," he says. Limiting the number of hours we spend per day on a device is key to limiting vision issues. "I recommend to all my patients that spend any amount of time at a computer to follow the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes, take a 20 second break and look at least 20 feet away from your screen," he says. Dry eye can also be associated with excessive time spent in front of a screen. Studies show we blink at about half the rate we normally do when staring at a computer screen. "We remind patients to 'Think to Blink,'" Campbell says. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, Elcheshen recommends seeing an optometrist. "Even small uncorrected issues with your vision can affect how comfortably you can work at the computer. You could be exerting more effort in order to focus," she says. The good news is there are plenty of things you can do to help prevent eye strain, even if your job requires you to use computers all day. "You should make sure your computer is at least an arm's length away from you, and 20 degrees below your eye level," says Elcheshen. "There's less glare from the screen if it is at the same light level as the room." Cumulative exposure to blue light — the light emitted by computers and other devices — is believed to have a harmful effect on the eyes. "With most computer monitors and devices using some form of LED technology, we're aware of the higher level of exposure to blue light," Campbell says. High levels of blue light exposure can damage the cells in the retina, leading to long-term vision problems such as macular degeneration. Some glasses are now made with a blue- light blocking coating on the lenses and are available with and without a prescription. Regular exposure to blue light can also disrupt sleep patterns. Elcheshen recommends shutting down devices at least one to two hours before going to bed. ◗ tech takes its toll By hoLLi MoncrieFF For The Free Press vision health month pag e 4

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