O Say Can You See, With Our ‘New Normal'?
We are happy to introduce Dr. Michelle Ahumada, OD in our Experts Corner to talk about how the new changes in our daily lives affect our vision and some recommendations she has. Dr. Ahumada is an optometrist practicing in Rancho Mission Viejo .
With our 'new normal', many children and adults have been forced into more time spent on computers and other personal devices. Many parents are asking, how is all this time on devices affecting their vision? Some children/adults don’t have any complaints, while others have many. These complaints can include, but are not limited to: blurry vision, headaches, eye strain, dizziness, light sensitivity, double vision and dry eyes.
What can we do about this? First, I recommend regular annual eye exams with your optometrist to see if there is a need for glasses. They should also check to see if there are any binocular issues being exacerbated by the increase in screen time and near work. Second, use the 20/20/20 rule. Every 20 minutes take a break for 20 seconds. Look at something 20 feet away and make sure you can see it clearly. This could be out a window, down a hallway, or across a room.
Blue light blocking glasses have also become a hot topic. Blue light appears to have the most profound affect before bed. It is advised not to look at a bright screen 2-3 hours before bed since blue light seems to affect melatonin levels and thus your circadian rhythm. If your device has a night shift option consider setting it to a few hours before bedtime so that blue light is minimized. Blue light blocking glasses could also be used. They can be purchased with no prescription, but It is also easy to incorporate blue light blocking technology into a pair of prescription eyeglasses.
Michelle Ahumada
What a Spectacle Optometry
30593 Gateway Place, Rancho Mission Viejo
949) 209 - 2980
info@whataspec.com
