| Updated: 1/05/2012 1:19 pm |
Published: 1/04/2012 2:08 pm
|
How important is early detection in children's vision?
Early intervention is the key to success.
80% of learning comes through vision.
By at least age 3 or 4 , the child needs a comprehensive eye exam And even 6 months old is not to early.
They won't outgrow a " lazy eye" or undetected eye problem
2. Isn't a school vision screening or Pediatrician screening good enough?
No.
Although school screenings, nurses, and pediatricians are extremely valuable, they don't take the place of a comprehensive eye exam by an Optometrist or Ophthalmologist.
In fact, school screenings can give a false sense of security. There are visual skills necessary for reading beyond just reading an eye chart. If kids frequently lose their place while reading , they may benefit from glasses or vision exercises or therapy.
Vision Therapy is training of the eyes that help problems glasses alone do not.
3.What are symptoms of children's eye problems?
Decreased performance in school
Aversion to reading
Excessive blinking
Rubbing eyes
Headaches
Can't see 3-D movies
4.What are some serious disorders of the eye you look for in an exam?
Most common are severe nearsightedness( myopia) or farsightedness ( hyperopia) that can be corrected with glasses.
More serious conditions may need surgery such as Esotropia ( show slide) where the eye turns in, Exotropia(show slide) where the eye turns out.
Children typically will NOT outgrow these conditions ,they need treatment.
A more rare but life threatening condition is a fast growing eye tumor called retinoblastoma. It is life threatening because the proximity of the eye is so close to the brain that fast intervention is critical.
( show picture of retinoblastoma ). This is a condition that parents might notice by looking at pictures of the eyes and noticing a "white pupil"
My own nephew had this condition that both the school screening and pediatrician did not detect, because the eye needs to be dilated in order to detect this condition.
Lastly, Shaken Baby Syndrome is a social issue in Oklahoma that is on the rise, and it causes brain and retinal hemorrhage, as well as detachment and death. Although its never ok to shake ANY child, but particularly Children up to age 3 do not have strong enough neck muscles to protect the vital organs from damage.
It is fine to bounce a baby on your knee in a playful manner, but SBS happens when a forceful angry shaking occurs by an adult.
5. Where do I go for good information on Children's vision?
Ask your local eye care provider personal questions.
Websites:
OAOP.com Oklahoma Association of Optometric Physicians AOA.org. AMERICAN Optometric Association Look for InfantSEE program
Infantsee.org It is a no cost public health program for early detection in the first year of life
dontshake.org. National center on Shaken Baby Syndrome
Dr. Kathleen Elliott
Dr.Stephen Groves
His Vision for Children
9306 South Toledo Ct.
Suite 200
Tulsa, Ok 74137
918-388-3949
