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Doctors link increased rate of nearsightedness in kids to electronic device usage

There is a growing link between electronic device usage and kids’ eyesight.

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — There is a growing link between electronic device usage and kids’ eyesight.

Myopia was once thought to just be passed down from parents, but there are doctors who have linked electronics as being a factor to poor eyesight, especially in kids.

“We're seeing a link between using those devices quite often and increasing rates of nearsightedness,” said Dr. Julie Dolven from James Eyecare in the Promenade in Little Rock.

That rate has grown in kids. Nearsightedness is referred to as myopia.

“We kind of thought hey mom and dad are nearsighted, they've got thick glasses, the kids are going to have thick glasses,” said Dolven.

Even Crystal Hill Elementary physical education teacher Barbara Hildebrand has seen a change.

“I have noticed like a depth perception type problem and I'll mention that to the classroom teacher to mention it to the parent,” said Hildebrand.

According to the National Eye Institute, signs of myopia are first seen in childhood. Around 42 percent of Americans ages 12 to 54 are nearsighted, which is up 25 percent from a study done in 1971.

“Over in Asia they're doing quite a bit of studies on what we can do to slow the progression of nearsightedness, and there are lots of things, the environment, so at least being outdoors at least two hours a day is huge,” said Dolven.

The environment outdoors can help take away the strain from staring at a small screen. A problem parents may run into are ways to get their kids to actually spend time outdoors.

“Don't just tell the kids they can't have a device all the time. you've got to limit it. you've got to use that eye for distance that you're born with,” said Hildebrand.

She suggests activities that can be as simple as drawing four square with chalk or setting up a goal or net. There is also a technique called the 20-20-20 rule that is used as guide for how long to look at devices.

“Every 20 minutes, take 20 seconds, and look 20 feet away,” said Dolven.

Dolven explains that It helps to ease the eye strain. It is also a great rule for adults to follow if they are constantly looking at computer screens. While nearsightedness cannot be reversed except with eye correction, there are other solutions such as specialized lenses and eye drops to reduce the nearsighted progression.

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