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    • Glaucoma Fact Sheet
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  • Vision Discomfort Associated with Computer Vision Syndrome
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  • New Research Shows Consumers Who Purchase Contact Lenses Online Face Greater Eye Health Risks Due To Not Following FDA Safety Recommendations
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  • Diabetes: A Top Cause of Blindness Among Adults
  • New Survey Shows Few Americans Taking Care of Their Most Valued Sense: Eyesight
  • Warning for Consumers: Popular Halloween Eye Wear Accessory Can Permanently Damage Eyes
  • Computer Vision Syndrome Threatens Returning Students
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  • Doctors of Optometry Support AMO’s Voluntary Solution Recall, Urge Contact Lens Wearers to Discontinue Use
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  • AOA Backs Contact Lens Patient Safety Bill Sponsored by Kentucky's Rep. Whitfield
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  • Former President Carter and American Optometric Association Celebrate InfantSEE's First Birthday by Announcing Results
  • American College of Nurse-Midwives Endorses American Optometric Association InfantSEE Program
  • Doctors of Optometry Support Bausch & Lomb's Solution Recall, Urge Contact Lens Wearers to Discontinue Use
  • Federal Agencies Investigate Soft Contact Lens Use, Solution as Cause of Serious Eye Fungus
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  • Optometrists Anticipate “Boom” in Eye Diseases as Baby Boomers Turn 60
  • AOA Children's Educational Materials Features New Animated Characters

Childhood Computer Vision Syndrome

• Impact of Computer Use on Children
• Five Tips for Preventing Computer Vision Syndrome
• Computer Vision Syndrome Statistics
• Press Release: Computer Vision Syndrome Threatens Returning Students

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Childhood Computer Vision Syndrome

Q:	What is Computer Vision Syndrome?
A:	Leonard Press, O.D., AOA’s Vision & Learning Specialist Computer Vision Syndrome, commonly referred to as CVS, is a condition recognized by the American Optometric Association that affects users of video display terminals (including video games, PDAs, and computer monitors). In most cases, symptoms occur because the visual demands of the task exceed the visual abilities of the individual to comfortably perform the task. Some CVS symptoms include: dry, burning eyes; blurred vision; delayed focusing; altered color perception, and headaches. According to VSP Vision Care, nearly half of U.S. children spend four hours a day or more using computers or other portable electronic devices putting themselves at risk for potential eye problems. Many parents are not aware or concerned about the vision problems and the related consequences that children can experience.  According to the 2007 American Eye-Q™ survey, only 16 percent of respondents were particularly worried that their child may damage their eyes through prolonged use of computers or portable electronic devices.
Q:	What are the symptoms of Computer Vision Syndrome?
A:	Symptoms of CVS are associated with forms of near work; these include headaches, fatigue, eyestrain, blurred or double vision and dry eye.
Q:	Are children affected by Computer Vision Syndrome more so than adults?
A:	According to the AOA, parents should be mindful that there are unique aspects of how children use computers that may make them even more susceptible than adults to certain problems. For example Children have a limited degree of self-awareness and may participate in prolonged activity without taking time for a significant break. Children are very adaptable and may work in unfavorable conditions. Children may use computers with less than optimum lighting. Adults, on the other hand, are also at risk of developing CVS due to: Poorly designed work stations. Assuming awkward postures due to using glasses which are improperly designed for the task. Making accommodations for a particular eye/vision disorder.
Q:	How can parents help prevent or reduce symptoms of Computer Vision Syndrome?
A:	Parents can help prevent or reduce the symptoms and effects of CVS by: Having your child’s vision checked by an optometrist. Strictly enforcing the amount of time that children may continuously use the computer. The AOA recommends following the 20/20 rule: Break every 20 minutes for 20 seconds. Checking the height and overall setup of the computer. Checking the lighting for glare on the computer screen. Reducing the amount of lighting in the room to match the computer screen.
Q:	What can parents do to help ensure their children have optimal vision?
A:	One of the most important things you can do to help your children succeed in school is to take them for a comprehensive eye exam.  Additionally, parents can help identify vision problems by watching for the following warning signs: An eye turning inward, outward, upward or downward frequently Bumping into objects Red eyes or eye lids Frequent rubbing of the eyes Excessive tearing Turning or tilting head to use one eye only Encrusted eyelids Frequent eye styes Avoiding coloring, puzzles, or detailed activities Difficulty with eye-hand-body-coordination If you notice any of those symptoms, you should schedule an appointment for your child to see a doctor of optometry.
Q:	How often should children receive a comprehensive eye exam?
A:	Since vision changes can occur without a parent or child noticing them, children should visit a doctor of optometry at least every two years, or more frequently, if specific problems or risk factors exist. Regular eye exams, starting when a child is six months old, can help ensure that your child’s vision is developing normally.
Q:	What is the difference between a screening and an exam?
A:	Screenings do not measure important factors such as visual alignment or eye tracking. A comprehensive exam will test for these and other disorders. An eye exam will help detect common vision problems, such as nearsightedness and farsightedness as well as more serious conditions such as amblyopia, commonly known as lazy eye. In addition to preventing serious eye and vision diseases and disorders, a thorough vision exam may even help curb delinquent behavior.
Q:	Why is it important that children receive an eye exam before they start school?
A:	Eye and vision disorders can be more easily corrected if treatment begins early. The AOA wants the experience for all school-age children to be positive and productive. Comprehensive eye exams are especially critical for children in order to diagnose and treat diseases that can lead to permanent vision loss, problems that can lead to poor school performance and other issues that hinder quality of life. Amblyopia, for example, is highly treatable and preventable if caught early. However, it remains the leading cause of blindness in Americans.
Q:	What risks does a child face who does not receive an eye exam before entering school?
A:	Millions of children will start school this year with a vision problem that may inhibit their ability to learn and ultimately affect the rest of their lives. As you send your children back to school, one of the most important things you can do to help ensure your child’s ability to learn is to take them for an eye exam. The American Optometric Association (AOA) recommends comprehensive eye exams, especially for children entering preschool and kindergarten.
Q:	How are behavioral problems an indication that a child’s vision may be impaired?
A:	According to the AOA’s 2007 American Eye-Q™ survey, 44 percent of parents don’t realize that behavioral problems can be an indication that a child’s vision is impaired. A child with undetected vision problems may get frustrated or bored in school because he or she can’t see the board, see the teacher or read a book. Therefore, students with problems seeing sometimes act out in school. When vision problems have an adverse effect on learning, they are referred to as learning-related vision problems. Learning-related vision problems can affect comprehension performance in reading, writing and concentration. Approximately 60 percent of students identified as problem learners having undetected vision problems.