Undiagnosed visions problems will make going back to school for many Washington children a daunting task. These problems make learning frustrating and difficult for kids, and increased computer use at school is making the situation worse.

Too many kids fall behind and exhibit behavioral problems because they can't see the board or the reading material on their desk and therefore don't stay on task during class. A recent study conducted by the American Optometric Association illustrates that parents don't understand the important role a vision exam plays in sending kids back to school ready to succeed.

• Only 56% of parents said they take their child to the eye doctor once a year compared to 84% who said they take their children to a pediatrician on a yearly basis and 82% who do the same with the dentist.
• When asked if they are concerned that prolonged use of computers and portable electronic devices may damage their children's eyes, only 16% of parents said they are "very" or "extremely" worried.
• 44% of parents don't realize that behavioral problems can be an indication that a child's vision is impaired.

“A comprehensive eye exam is needed early in life to evaluate a child’s vision, eye teaming skills and tracking skills as well as overall eye health. It’s a good way to avoid problems down the road,” said Dr. Karen Preston, O.D. "With increased computer use in schools and at home, we're seeing yet another good reason for kids' vision to be checked on a regular basis."

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, in 2003 eighty-three percent of children ages three to 17 are using a computer at school. Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) is the name given to the negative effect prolonged computer use can have on a person's vision. Children are especially susceptible to CVS because their eyes are still in the formative stages. Children also have a limited amount of self-awareness and often continue doing a fun activity until the point of exhaustion.

Kids are also very adaptable and ignore eye problems, many of which they don't know how to deal with or define for adults. Both children and adults can experience eye discomfort, fatigue, blurred vision and headaches due to prolonged computer use.  As daily use of technology in the classroom becomes main-stream, especially in elementary schools, teachers and parents should remember the following tips for children's computer use at school and in the home:

• Have the child's vision evaluated by your family eye doctor annually. This should start as early as 6 months of age and continue for life.
• Strictly enforce the amount of time that a child can continuously use the computer.
• Arrange the computer to fit children; lower the screen, raise the chair, etc. 
• Adjust the room lighting so no glare reflects off the computer screen. 
• Reduce the amount of light in the room to match the computer screen, but do not completely turn it off.    

"Children may not recognize that they have a vision problem," said Dr. Preston, "And even worse, a vision screening at school or at the pediatrician's office may not pick up the problem, which can give parents a false sense of confidence. A back to school eye exam is the best school supply a parent can provide their child, since most of what children learn is obtained through the eyes."

The good news is children whose vision problems are detected early through an annual eye exam by an optometric physician can be treated and, in many cases, completely eliminated. Parents can locate an optometric physician in their area, including those who specialize in children's vision, by visiting www.eyes.org.

The Optometric Physicians of Washington (OPW) is the professional association of Washington state optometric physicians. The OPW is comprised of 13 optometric societies throughout the state numbering approximately 560 optometric physicians.

The mission of the OPW is to advance, improve and enhance the vision care and eye health of the public and to promote the continued development of the profession of optometry. Find OPW on the web at www.eyes.org.

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Attachments
•	Tips For Preventing Computer Vision Syndrome

Contact Information
•	Lisa Cargill OPW Communications Representative (509) 444-2350 lisac@desautelhege.com