Clinic offers eye health, safety tips for children Published Oct. 17, 2014 By Staff Report 72nd Medical Group Optometry Clinic TINKER AIR FORCE BASE - Okla. -- With children back in school, it means more interaction with electronic devices such as smartphones and tablets. Children of all ages may face visual challenges, including a temporary condition called digital eye strain. An American Optometric Association survey found 80 percent of kids between 10 and 17 years of age said their eyes burned, felt tired or were blurry after using an electronic device. "When children stare at screens for hours each day, it may cause visual symptoms that can interfere with their ability to focus and learn," said Lt Col (Dr.) Neil Horner, Optometry Flight commander at the 72nd Medical Group. According to Dr. Horner, digital eye strain can occur after two or more hours of device use. Symptoms of eye strain include: · Eye irritation · Red eyes · Headaches · Fatigue · Difficulty reading small print "Any number of devices can cause it -- computer, TV, tablets, e-readers, video games -- particularly when being used simultaneously, at different distances and different font sizes," said Dr. Horner. Children who exhibit these symptoms after using a digital device should get an eye exam. "Comprehensive eye exams are one of the most important investments a parent can make to help maximize their child's education and contribute to overall health and well-being, especially since some vision problems may not have warning signs," Dr. Horner added. Not using the device is not necessarily the answer, but management of their use is the key. Encourage these five easy rules to help prevent digital eye strain: · Limit device use: The American Optometric Association recommends limiting daily tech time to two hours or less for kids of preschool and kindergarten age. Encourage older children to take frequent breaks. · Follow the 20-20-20 rule: For every 20 minutes of digital device use, children (as well as adults) should look away a distance of about 20 feet for 20 seconds. · Hold devices correctly: For desktops and laptops, children should sit far enough away where they can extend their arm with their palm on the screen. Hand-held devices should be held below eye level at a distance far enough away to read the screen. · Change settings: Dimming lights and increasing font size on devices can limit eye strain. · Remember to blink: Eyes tend to dry out when focusing for long periods of time, so remind your kids to blink frequently when using a digital device. An additional concern for student athletes is eye protection, especially in certain high-risk sports. Thousands of children suffer sports-related eye injuries each year and nearly all can be prevented by using the proper protective eyewear. That is why it is essential that everyone wear appropriate, protective eyewear whenever playing sports or during risky activities such as lawn mowing and trimming. Dependents and retirees may be seen on a space available basis at the 72nd Medical Group Optometry clinic by calling 582-6516. Comprehensive eye exams are a covered benefit for Tricare Prime and Tricare Standard beneficiaries and can be booked with a Tricare approved eye care provider without the need for a referral. Dependents of active duty personnel are authorized one eye exam per year, while retirees and retiree dependents are authorized one exam every two years.