Officials speak on protecting students' eyesight during distance learning

Distance learning has left an impact on students now when it comes to schoolwork and eyesight. Marie Roberts of Lauderdale County School District advises parents to keep watch on their child’s screen time.

“From a physical standpoint, screen time can have an affect on things like eyesite and posture. So it’s important for parents and guardians to be proactive on how they manage screen time in their home when students are working on virtual learning or distance learning,” said Instructional Technologist Dr. Roberts. Set the ground rules in your home and have responsible times for when we’re going to use technology and when we will be tech-free.”

Optometrist Minh Duong says the light technology devices give off causes wavelengths, although some lenses can filter these wavelengths.

“The light that they emit typically is in the shorter wavelength--400 to 500 nanometers is called blue light. The other wavelengths are longer so they don’t typically get into the eye,” said Dr. Duong.

The blue light is known to go directly into the eye--hitting the retina which can cause possible damage to the eye. Damages can include trouble sleeping at night as well as complications with the eyes' macula. The macula is the central area of the eye. It is part of the retina where blue light directly hits and that is where macular degeneration can occur. Special lenses are made to block blue light wavelengths.

Dr. Duong advises parents to continue to keep a routine eye checkup going forward during distance learning measures.

“We just need to stay cognizant of the technology and how it affects the eyes of our children going forward.”