By Nigel Little 

Contact lenses for children  worn only while sleeping can help ensure short-sighted youngsters are well-equipped to deal with the increasingly high tech environment of the classroom as teachers incorporate 3D imaging, digital devices and the latest computer applications into their daily curriculum. While such technology can greatly enhance learning, it also increases the importance of proper eye and vision care. Furthermore, according to the American Optometric Association's (AOA) 2011 American Eye-Q ® survey, parents are concerned about the effects of the evolving technology. Some 53 percent of respondents with children 18 or younger believe 3D viewing is harmful to a child's vision or eyes and 29 percent of parents feel very concerned that their child may damage their eyes due to prolonged use of computers or hand-held electronic devices.

"Today's classroom technology is extremely visual, making it critical for students to maintain excellent eye health," said James Sheedy, O.D., Ph.D., an AOA technology and vision expert. "Vision should be checked by an optician yearly, particularly as children get ready to head back to school. Quite simply, people who have even a small vision misalignment or those who don't have equal vision in both eyes may not be able to see 3D images properly," said Dr. Sheedy. For those who are short-sighted, the new overnight ortho-k corrective contact lenses for children  provide an excellent solution which ensures they have perfect daytime vision to participate fully in classroom activities. The lenses are only worn at night while the child sleeps and gently flatten the surface of the eye to provide the necessary correction so that light focuses directly on the retina and not in front of it.

3D imaging technology allows children to experience virtual tours of museums or views from inside the human heart but not everyone can see in 3D and some children experience problems. Some 10 percent of the AOA survey respondents reported that their child experienced headaches; 7 percent indicated nausea and 6 percent said their children felt dizzy after using 3D technology. Undetected vision problems that affect the ability to see in 3D can also have an impact on students' future careers. The 3D@Home Consortium, in partnership with the AOA, has developed a list of professions where 3D vision, tools and design are, or will be, used frequently to complete tasks or projects. The list includes professions ranging from astronomers to surgeons, engineers to forensic scientists. So regular eye health checks and use of new vision correction treatments such as overnight ortho-k contact lenses for children  can give them the opportunity to benefit fully from the new classroom technology.

Check if your child is suitable for overnight ortho-k corrective contact lenses .