Michelle Neufeld was surprised to arrive home from their family vacation in the southern seas to a message on her voice mail that named her the winner of the Killarney Optometric Centre and CJRB’s ‘I Love to Read’ Contest!

The mother of two boys says they were very excited to receive the message late Thursday night (Valentine’s Day) for their family of avid readers.

“We are a reading family and both boys are active readers at home,” says Michelle. “I like to set a good example because I think reading is very important! I really appreciate it and I thank you very, very much!””

“I think ‘reading’ is slipping, or not as ‘traditional’ as it used to be,” she shares. “A lot of it now is more iPads, TV’s and (computer) games, and things like that, and I really encourage the boys to read. I think it’s very beneficial for them.”

Neufeld’s two sons Nicholas and Logan, attend Baldur School, Grade 3 and Kindergarten respectively. Both boys enjoy reading a variety of different things, and were pretty thrilled to win the ‘I Love to Read’ gift basket valued at $300 from Killarney Vison filled with wonderful gifts to inspire the entire family to enjoy the adventures of reading.

This is the third year the doctors and staff at Killarney Optometric Centre have partnered with CJRB and Discover Westman to inspire reading through winning a prize package during ‘I Love to Read’ Month.

Killarney optometrist, Dr. Dustin McGill, has some tips for all readers when looking at the ‘tangible’ printed word, or the computer screen.
Many eye-care professionals like the 20/20/20 rule that specifically states to take a 20 second break every 20 minutes and look at least 20 feet away when using a computer or hand-held device.

However, Dr. McGill, suggests to give your eyes even more of a break to avoid eye strain.

“The biggest tip I can give you, especially when it comes to eye strain with hand-held devices like iPads, cellphones, and even computer use, is to take frequent breaks,” he says. “We want to make sure that for every 20-30 minutes that you’re spending on up-close devices, especially ‘back-lit screen’ devices, to take at least a 5 minute break.”

“Preferably, look into the distance or do something outside that’s going to relax the focusing muscles in the eyes so we’re not overworking the system, causing eye strain that can eventually lead to headaches.”

He adds to make sure your computer screen is at least an arm’s length away, and just below your sight line, which is more ‘natural’ for the eyes and easier on the eyes.

“As far as eye-health and eye-strain is concerned the ‘back-lit’ devices are of the main concern,” he says, “because the type of light we’re exposing ourselves to is eye-straining and eye-fatiguing.”

“The blue light can even lead to sleep disorders,” he adds.

“When we are using the ‘physical books’, we’re not getting exposure to that type of light that is eye-straining, eye-fatiguing, sleep-interrupting, things like that. So, not using the technology is safer and better for the eyes.”

“But, with that said, we are still potentially straining the system by looking up close. So, just like everything else,” he says, “everything in moderation is the key.”

Squinting is a sign of eye strain says Dr. McGill, and this is something to watch for, for both parents, as well as teachers in the classroom.

“If children are having trouble seeing the board and are re-focusing and are squinting or having trouble copying things down, asking teachers to repeat themselves, or asking them to slow down that they’re not done copying, or straight-up complaining of headaches, or to the extreme being distracted; being that child who’s not doing the work because it’s difficult and ends up distracting other kids. “

“So, sometimes they can be seen as a hyper child, but really it’s because it’s too hard on their eye-system and they’re acting out because they can’t do the work. It’s becoming difficult.”

Reading together with your children is a great family activity to do together, says Dr. McGill, however, there are some eye-health tips to remember when cuddling up in your favorite chair with your kids and a good book.

“One of the biggest things to remember is to make sure you’re not holding the book too close, and you want to be holding the book at a comfortable elbow-at-the-waist type of distance.”

“With little kids make sure they’re not getting their face right up against the pictures and over-stimulating the eyes.”

“Of course,” he adds, “full routine eye exams every year for school-age kids - and sooner or more often if you notice any difficulties.”