Symptoms
of dry eyes and dry eye disease as well as ocular fatigue are known problems
that can result from the excessive use of video display terminals. Kids today
spend an awful lot of time texting on smartphones, playing games on smartphones
and generally just engaged with various apps on smartphones. Researchers were interested in learning more about any
increased risk and progression of pediatric dry eye disease that might be
associated with smartphone use. Not unexpected was the conclusion that increased VDT use such as smartphones or
computers in children was found to be associated with the occurrence of ocular
surface symptoms of dryness and fatigue. Also somewhat expected was the
clinical finding that the longer the kids used the smartphones the greater the
symptoms and disturbance of the eyes’ surface. The authors then suggested being
aware of excessive smartphone use in kids and educating them as to reducing
their use of smartphones if they become troubled by eye fatigue or dryness
symptoms.
If
you have kids that are heavy users of smartphones or iPads or tablets of any
type and they complain about dry eyes, grittiness, sandiness or have red
burning eyes and even eye fatigue, please be aware that the VDT may be having a
negative impact on the child and schedule an appointment so that we be sure
there are no other eye problems. Call Alabama Eye & Cataract Center in
Birmingham at 205-930-0930, visit Alabama Eye &
Cataract Center,
Google+ or www.facebook.com/alabamaeyeandcataractcenter.
