March 06, 2001 For Immediate Release

For Information Contact Laura Calverley 201-947-4133

Computers May Put Children at Risk for Premature Myopia and Computer Vision Syndrome

(Beaverton, OREGON) The benefits of computers notwithstanding, an increasing number of experts are beginning to raise questions about their affect on the physical health and development of children. These risks include musculoskeletal injuries, visual strain, and myopia (nearsightedness).

The American Optometric Association (AOA) reports that computers can exacerbate conditions like nearsightedness or myopia, whereby the individual has a problem focusing on distant objects. Nearsightedness occurs if the eyeball is too long or the cornea has too much curvature, so the light entering the eye is focused in front of, instead of on, the retina.

Many pediatric vision experts, including Dr. Cary Herzberg, an optometrist in Aurora, Illinois who lectures around the country on myopia and children, see a direct correlation between myopia in children and computer use. "As children spend more time on the computer and at other near point tasks, their risk of developing myopia increases," said Dr. Herzberg. "We are definitely seeing more children now with this type of problem than we did five years ago. That's why myopia prevention is very important in my practice."

Nearsightedness is a common vision condition that affects approximately 25 percent of the U.S. population. However, nearly 50 percent of adult computer users with a college education are nearsighted. In children, myopia is found in 2 percent of those entering first grade and 15 percent of those entering high school. While other factors, such as heredity, play a role, many experts and the AOA cite near or close work, such as reading and computer work, as contributors to the development of myopia. There is increasing anecdotal evidence which also supports a correlation.

Dr. Herzberg, whose practice is comprised of approximately 60 percent children, says he has seen a significant increase of poor visual skills in all his patients, including children.

"My father, who is also an optometrist, was in practice for 30 years. People used to go from their 20's to their 40's without a change in prescription, because their eyes didn't change," said Dr. Herzberg. "Now we are seeing patients every 6 months for increases in prescriptions. The difference is technology. 75% of my patients now use computers. And children are using them at an earlier age and needing glasses sooner. It's changing the very nature of how we live."

Children may also be at risk for a condition called Computer Vision Syndrome, or CVS, which plagues adult computer users. The American Optometric Association (AOA) defines CVS as "The complex of eye and vision problems associated with computer use." According to the AOA, eye and vision problems are the most frequently reported health complaint in the workplace, occurring in 70-75 percent of computer workers. Symptoms of CVS include headaches, red eyes, itchy eyes, sore or dry eyes, fatigue, blurred vision and neck and shoulder pain.

To diagnose and treat his computer eyestrain patients, Dr. Herzberg uses a diagnostic medical instrument called PRIO, a FDA class one medical device that is suspended from the ophthalmic reading arm. The PRIO tester simulates a computer screen and allows the doctor to objectively evaluate the individual's focusing mechanism to more accurately determine whether a person requires computer-specific eyewear. Many of his patients find relief with computer-specific eyeglasses.

PRIO is presently trial testing a pediatric diagnostic instrument that will allow eye doctors to evaluate children working at computers who may not yet read. Dr. Herzberg is participating in this study headed by the University of California, Berkeley, School of Optometry. The purpose of the study is to compare traditional diagnosis of CVS to the new PRIO KIDS diagnostic method. The study should be finalized by Spring 2001.

"Eyestrain experienced while working at the computer is preventable with computer-specific glasses prescribed using the PRIO tester," said Dr. Herzberg. "I have used PRIO in my practice for five years with excellent feedback from my patients."

FACTS ABOUT COMPUTERS AND PROBLEMS IN CHILDREN

• According to the National Center for Education Statistics, Internet access in schools increased from 35% to 95% from 1994 to 1999.
• According to a recent Roper Starch Survey, the average American child now spends one to three hours per day on the computer.
• According to the American Optometry Association, any person—adult or child—who spends two hours or more per day working on a computer may be at risk of developing eye strain and focusing difficulties.
• A recent report from Alliance for Childhood, a consumer watchdog organization, states that "computers pose health hazards and potentially serious developmental problems."
• Nearsightedness affects approximately 25% of the U.S. population, but nearly 60% of adult computer users.
• The AOA cites near or close work, such as reading and computer work, as contributors to the development of myopia.
• Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) the defined as "the complex of eye and vision problems associated with computer use." According to the AOA, eye and vision problems are the most frequently reported health complaint in the workplace.
• Optometrists recommend that children be given an initial eye exam before starting school and annually from then on. Yet, only 31% of children between 6 and 16 have had eye examinations in the last year.

For more information on PRIO Corporation and the PRIO Provider Network of eye doctors, call or visit the company's website at www.prio.com.

PRIO® is a registered trademark of PRIO Corporation.