1. Teach The 20-20-20 Rule

To prevent eye strain caused by excessive screen time, remind children about the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes, encourage them to look away from their screens and focus on something at least 20 feet away for a duration of 20 seconds. Taking screen breaks can help your child avoid digital eye strain. If you would like to learn more about avoiding digital eyestrain in children, read our blog here.

2. Blink Frequently

Dry eyes can be a common issue when staring at screens for extended periods. Remind kids to blink frequently throughout the school day. This simple action helps keep their eyes moist and reduces discomfort.

3. Wear Protective Eyewear

Whether your child is playing sports, working on science experiments, or using a digital device, make sure they wear appropriate protective eyewear to prevent eye problems or injuries. Electronic devices emit blue light that can potentially harm the eyes over time. Encourage your child to use blue light filters or glasses while using these devices. These filters help reduce the amount of blue light reaching their eyes, minimizing potential damage.

4. Regular Recess And Physical Activity Breaks

Advocate for regular recess periods to give children’s eyes a break from looking at a screen or a board for a long time. Encourage physical activity breaks throughout the day to reduce eye strain. Active play helps alleviate eye fatigue and also promotes overall eye health.

5. Proper Hand Hygiene To Prevent Eye Infections

Teach children the importance of hand hygiene, especially before touching their eyes. Explain how proper handwashing can help prevent the spread of infections that affect the eyes. Promote healthy habits like avoiding rubbing or touching the eyes with dirty hands. If your child wears contact lenses or eyeglasses, it’s important that they understand to wash their hands thoroughly before handling these eye care products.

6. Nutritious Snacks For Healthy Vision

Make sure to pack nutritious snacks in your child’s lunchbox that will support healthy vision. Highlight foods rich in vitamins A, C, E, omega-3 fatty acids, and zinc, as these are beneficial for eye health. Examples of these foods include carrots, almonds, leafy greens, citrus fruits, nuts, and fish. If you are looking for more delicious food options that you can offer your child, click our blog here.

7. Promote Regular Eye Exams

Before the school year starts, it’s essential to schedule an eye exam for your child. Regular eye exams can detect any underlying vision problems early on and can ensure that they have optimal vision for learning. Schedule an appointment with an eye care professional to ensure their vision is in check for the upcoming school year!

By implementing these back-to-school eye care tips for children in school, we can ensure their visual well-being. Advocating for regular recess breaks, teaching proper hand hygiene practices, and promoting nutritious snacks all contribute to maintaining healthy eyesight among young students. Let’s prioritize our children’s eye care to set them up for success both inside and outside the classroom.

If you haven’t set up an eye exam for your child yet, call Dr. D’Orio Eyecare today at 416.656.2020 (Toronto location) or 416.661.5555 (North York location), or visit https://drdorioeyecare.com/book-appointment/ to book an appointment.

The post Back-To-School Eye Care Tips For Children appeared first on Best Optometrist in Toronto.

Similar to adults, dry eyes can be uncomfortable and painful for children, and can greatly impact their life quality and performance in daily activities. Often, dry eyes can be a symptom of an underlying medical condition, and so it is important to seek appropriate medical advice. For more information on the causes, symptoms, and treatment for dry eyes in children, continue reading.

Dry Eye Causes

There are many different causes for dry eye, which can include environmental factors such as dry weather, and exposure to smoke or other pollutants. Allergies could also be irritating the eyes, causing tear film instability and inflammation on the ocular surface. This could lead to damage and neurosensory abnormalities, causing increased sensitivity in the eyes. Another contributing factor could be poor diet, as Vitamin A deficiency has been shown to cause changes in the cells lining the ocular surface, preventing the eyes from properly producing tears.

However, it is increasingly likely that a child’s eyes are dry due to prolonged screen exposure. Children are using screens more frequently: using the computer or a tablet for their schoolwork, scrolling through social media on their phone, playing video games or watching television in their free time, even reading on an electronic device rather than from a book! The longer a child uses a smart phone, the lower their blink rate will be, which can increase the ocular surface’s exposure to air. This can cause instability of the tear layer and thus, dry eye. Excess screen time can also contribute to other eye conditions such as eye fatigue and should be limited when possible.

Symptoms

It can be difficult to diagnose eye conditions in children as they may not have the vocabulary to properly describe what they are feeling. Children may describe their dry eyes as feeling hot, or as if they have sand or dirt in their eyes. Dry eyes could also cause itchy, stinging, or burning eyes, eye redness, or excessive tearing. Children with dry eyes may frequently rub their eyes to alleviate discomfort. Dry eyes could also cause blurry vision, though it will not often cause lasting effects when it comes to vision clarity. If you notice that your child is suffering from any of these symptoms, you should schedule an appointment with your optometrist.

Dry eyes could also be a symptom of a more serious underlying medical condition. If you notice that your child is suffering from the symptoms of dry eye, it is important to consult with an optometrist for a proper examination and diagnosis.

Remedies & Treatments

In order to properly treat dry eyes, it is important to first understand the cause. However, there are some remedies that may help alleviate your child’s discomfort as they await their examination.

Outdoor activities have been shown to be beneficial in preventing dry eyes in children. If possible, have your child participate in outdoor play, sports, or other activities. Avoid exposure to smoke or other eye irritants and use a humidifier in the child’s room or near their workspace during school hours. Placing a warm compress on the child’s eyes for 5 minutes per day can also help to stimulate their tear production.

It is also important to have children take frequent breaks while reading, watching TV, or using the computer or other electronic devices, in order to allow the eyes to rest. In some cases, you may need to use artificial tears while the child is undertaking these activities to keep the eyes properly lubricated.

If you notice that symptoms persist, or worsen, you may need to take more serious steps to alleviate your child’s dry eyes. Visit your optometrist for a diagnosis and proper treatment. They will be able to recommend prescription medications, or other treatment options such as surgery, that will help with more severe cases of dry eyes.

If your child is suffering from occasional dry eyes, it may not be an issue that affects their life. However, dry eyes can be a serious detriment to a child’s comfort and quality of life, and as it can indicate an underlying medical condition, it is important to always consult an optometrist to ensure your child is receiving proper treatment and care. Be aware of your child’s behaviour so that you can detect symptoms of dry eyes and seek treatment when necessary.

If you believe that your child may be suffering from dry eyes, contact the optometry team at Dr D’Orio Eyecare. Our dry eye specialists will be able to examine, diagnose, and treat your child’s dry eyes, as well as identify any other eye conditions. To book an appointment at Dr D’Orio Eyecare, visit https://drdorioeyecare.com/book-appointment/ or call us at 416 656 2020 for our Toronto location, or 416 661 5555 for our North York location.

The post How Dry Eye Can Affect Children appeared first on Best Optometrist in Toronto.

One of the best precautionary measures is to start taking fish oil, which contains high omega 3 fatty acids. Adding this to your diet can help you treat dry eye symptoms from the inside out instead of relying on artificial tears or ointments.

Omega 3 fatty acid is great for dry eye because it helps to improve meibomian gland function, which produces the oily part of tears. It also helps to reduce inflammation of the eyelid or surfaces of the eye that worsens the condition of dry eyes.

If you are suffering with dry eye condition, try omega 3 fish oil to help reduce your symptoms. And if you are looking for professional treatment, look no further than Dr. D’Orio Eyecare. Our eye care professionals specialize in dry eye and can help you get the treatment you deserve. Call us today at either of our locations to book an appointment: North York Location: (416) 661-5555, Toronto Location: (416) 656-2020.

To purchase omega 3 fish oil capsules, visit our online shop.

The post Why Omega 3 Fish Oil Is Great For Dry Eye appeared first on Best Optometrist in Toronto.

Protective Steps That May Be Damaging Our Eye Health

Although face masks are absolutely essential in protecting us and others against COVID-19, they are, unfortunately, not the best for people who wear glasses. The building up or moist, warm air when exhaling in a mask travels up the face to fog up lenses of a person’s glasses. This exhaled breath is felt on the surface of the eye, accelerating the process of tear film evaporation, which leads to poor quality tear film and dry eyes. Overtime, this can lead to a very uncomfortable condition called dry eye syndrome.

The best way to combat this is to wear a mask that properly fits your face and stops the outward stream of air to be directed toward the surface of the eye. Ensure that your mask is not loose and fits comfortably along the bridge of your nose, a loose mask leaves room for virus particles to enter your body. Aside from protecting your eye health, this is also essential to protecting yourself and others from the virus itself. Be conscious of your mask fit for the safety of yourself and others.

Here’s an effective method to avoid the warm stream of air from fogging up your glasses.

• Place a folded Kleenex under the top inner portion of the mask before wearing
• Adhere a strip of tape over the top outer portion of the mask and skin

If you begin to experience dry eye symptoms such as redness, itchiness, or dryness, call Dr. D’Orio Eyecare today. Our dry eye specialists can help you find relief so that you do not feel uncomfortable while going about your day in a mask.

Call us today to book an appointment at either of our locations: North York Location: (416) 661-5555, Toronto Location: (416) 656-2020.

The post How To Avoid Face Mask Associated Dry Eye appeared first on Best Optometrist in Toronto.

What is Blue Light?

The light we see is a combination of different coloured lights (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet). Each of these have a different wavelength and emit a different sort of energy. Blue light rays have shorter wavelengths and more energy, meaning that light that looks white can have a high blue component due to the amount of energy it releases.

Where Does Blue Light Exist?

Because light is a combination of all colours, blue light exists in every type of light. The largest source of it is sunlight, but people are being more and more exposed to the blue light in sources such as:

• Fluorescent lights
• CFL (compact fluorescent light) bulbs
• LED light
• Flat screen LED televisions
• Computer monitors, smart phones, and tablet screens

The blue light that you get from screens is smaller than the amount given off from the sun, however, longer exposure to these small amounts of blue light is just as damaging to the eyes.

How Does Blue Light Affect The Eyes?

Blue light passes through the cornea and lens (and until it reaches the retina). This action prematurely ages the eyes and can disrupt vision. Too much exposure to blue light can cause concerns such as digital eye strain and retina damage.

How To Protect Your Eyes From Blue Light?

If you are often exposed to blue light, here are a few things that you can do to project your eyes:

• Try to decrease the amount of time you spend in front of screens
• Invest in blue light filters for your screens
• Get computer glasses with yellow-tinted lenses to help ease digital eye strain
• Invest in anti-reflective lenses for your glasses

If you are concerned about how blue light emissions affecting your eyes, talk to your eye care professional today. Dr. D’Orio Eyecare professionals can offer you the advice and get you the protection you need. Call us today at either of our locations to book an appointment: Toronto location (416) 656-2020, North York location (416) 661-5555.

The post How To Protect Your Eyes From Blue Light Emissions appeared first on Best Optometrist in Toronto.

Shield Eyes From Reflective UV
Sun reflecting off of the wet, shiny pavement and/or white snow is extremely harmful to the eye. Damage to the eye caused by UV rays can cause macular degeneration, vision loss, cataracts, and more. You can easily decrease your chances of this, simply by wearing the appropriate eye protection. Invest in sunglasses that block 100% of UV Rays, available at Dr. D’Orio Eye Care.

Protect From External Harm
If you like winter sports such as snowboarding, skiing, ice-skating, or other sports, it is vital to wear eye protection. Wear goggles that will protect your eyes from external harm while participating in these winter sports. Goggles will keep debris and large objects away from your eyes so that they remain safe and will also keep the wind out of your eyes so you have optimal vision.

Protect From Dry Eye
Winters in certain areas tend to be very dry, which often plays up the symptoms of dry eyes. If you suffer from chronic dry eyes or seasonal dry eyes, be sure to constantly lubricate your eyes with eye drops so that your symptoms are not exacerbated.

Caring for your eyes in the winter should be as important as wearing a winter coat when the temperature drops. To get optimal care for your eyes during the winter and to receive specialized dry eye care, visit Dr. D’Orio Eye Care today. Book an appointment for an eye exam at Dr. D’Orio Eye Care by calling 416.661.5555 (North York) or 416.656.2020 (Toronto).

The post How To Care For Your Eyes In Cold Weather appeared first on Best Optometrist in Toronto.

Causes

Dry eyes occur when tears are not able to provide adequate lubrication for your eyes either because they do not produce enough of them or because they are of poor quality. Dry eyes is often caused by dry environments, computer use, reading, schoolwork, and other close viewing situations that require focus for lengthy periods of time.  In this way, you may only experience dry eyes in certain situations/ environments such as on airplanes, in air-conditioned rooms, riding bikes, or looking at screens. 

Different things cause different dry eye symptoms. Environmental stressors such as wind, smoke, and dry air can be causes of increased tear evaporation whereas decreased or poor quality tear production can be caused by aging, medical conditions, side effects of medications, and/or tear duct damage from inflammation. 

Effects

If you experience dry eyes, you may feel:

–      Discomfort

–      Stinging or burning sensations

–      Stringy mucus in or around your eyes

–      Sensitivity to light

–      Eye redness

–      Sensation of having something in your eyes

–      Difficulty wearing contact lenses

–      Difficulty driving at night

–      Watery eyes (the body’s response to irritation of dry eyes, different from tear production)

–      Blurred vision or eye fatigue

–      Itchy eyes

–      Heavy eyes

–      Sore eyes

Prevention

You can prevent the symptoms of dry eyes by:

–      Avoid air blowing into your eyes

–      Adding moisture to the air

–      Wearing wraparound sunglasses or other protective eyewear

–      Taking breaks during long, focused tasks

–      Being aware of your environment

–      Positioning your computer screen below eye level

–      Stop smoking and avoid smoke

–      Use artificial tears regularly

When To See a Doctor

See a doctor if you are suffering from these dry eye symptoms and experiencing extreme discomfort and pain. Your optometrist can help you determine the best way to fix your dry eye problem and/or refer you to a specialist if necessary. 

Don’t struggle through the discomfort of dry eyes. This article and your optometrist can help you understand the condition better in order to get appropriate treatment. If you are looking for an Eye Clinic that prioritizes eye health, call us at one of our locations to book an appointment and we’ll be happy to assist you. 

The post All About Dry Eyes: The Causes, Effects, and Prevention of Dry Eyes appeared first on Best Optometrist in Toronto.