Importance of Kids’ Vision Screening

Importance of Kids’ Vision Screening

Kids’ vision screening tests may help to catch vision problems early on, and may also be helpful in spotting more severe medical conditions. Vision problems may impact childhood development, perception, and education, so it is important to identify vision problems and take corrective action. Medical conditions such as pediatric retinoblastoma may be life-threatening, and catching these types of severe conditions at a very early age drastically improves the chances for survival and retention of vision. Kids’ Vision Screening Tests Kids typically receive the first rudimentary vision screening at the well baby exam, which is usually scheduled about three to five days after the baby is discharged from the hospital. Well baby exams continue to be scheduled approximately every two to four months for a year. During these exams, the baby’s eyes are generally checked for dilation response to light and eye movements, as well as eye appearance that may indicate infection. Children should receive vision screenings at regular check-ups, and should receive a very thorough vision check around the age of three or four prior to starting preschool. Screening tests which may be used when examining children include: Photoscreening, using photography to detect eye abnormalities Cover testing, which is used to detect shifts in eye movements when following a target Light reflex testing, which is used to detect abnormalities in the eyes by the way light from a penlight is reflected Random dot steropsis, which uses patterns of dots and 3D glasses to test how well eyes work together Snellen charts, which use differently sized letters to test overall vision Depth perception tests Vision Complications and Conditions While severe conditions are relatively rare in children, minor conditions that affect vision are present in roughly five to ten percent of children under the age of five, and nearly one quarter of school aged children. These conditions may worsen and cause partial or total loss of vision if not corrected quickly enough, in some cases. Rare conditions which are present may also be caught during vision screening tests, so it is important to make sure that children receive vision screening even if there are no obvious symptoms of vision problems. Common eye conditions which may be detected in children include: Myopia, or near sightedness Hyperopia, or far sightedness Astigmatism Amblyopia, or lazy eye Strabismus, or wandering eye Corrective Actions For eyesight problems such as astigmatism, myopia, or hyperopia, glasses or contacts may be prescribed to help correct vision. In cases of amblyopia, patching may be required to strengthen the weaker eye. In cases of infection, abnormalities, or more severe conditions, antibiotics or surgeries may be helpful. Beginning treatment early on can help to prevent vision loss and even preserve life in the case of severe conditions such as pediatric retinoblastoma.     Sources: http://www.geteyesmart.org/eyesmart/eye-health-news/early-vision-screening-for-children.cfm http://healthfinder.gov/HealthTopics/Category/doctor-visits/screening-tests/get-your-childs-vision-checked...

read more

Common Preschool Vision Problems

Common Preschool Vision Problems

Recent studies suggest that vision problems in preschool aged children are more common than previously thought. Prior to this new data, it was widely believed that one in 20 preschool children suffered from vision problems. However, evidence suggests that as many as one in four preschoolers experiences vision problems that need attention. Data also outlines a number of risk factors that may contribute to preschool vision problems, such as poor health insurance access and exposure to tobacco smoke. Kids’ Vision Problems To conduct the study, roughly 10,000 children between the ages of six months and six years were given comprehensive eye exams. The results found that a number of kids experienced what are referred to as refractive errors. In the past, it was believed that only moderate to severe refractive errors could increase the risk for significant vision issues. However, this data shows that even minor refractive errors can contribute to vision issues. This new information is critical, as refractive errors can typically be easily corrected with the use of eyeglasses. The study found refractive errors, including: Myopia, or nearsightedness, in roughly 4 percent of preschoolers Hyperopia, or farsightedness, in roughly 21 percent of preschoolers Astigmatism, or a curvature of the cornea, in 10 percent of preschoolers Severe Vision Problems Researchers also found more severe vision problems in a number of preschoolers. Two percent of the examined preschoolers experienced strabismus, or crossed eyes. Roughly five percent experienced amblyopia, or lazy eye. If these conditions are not treated in early childhood, affected children are more likely to experience permanent vision loss as they approach adulthood. Preschool Vision Studies This evidence was primarily extracted from two large studies conducted by private groups. The studies were published in the journal Ophthalmology and funded by the National Institutes of Health. The study results were also presented at the annual American Academy of Ophthalmology in 2011. Kids’ Vision Problems Warning Signs It is critical for parents, teachers, and other adults to be alert and watchful for potential kids’ vision problems. The sooner these issues are identified, the sooner they can be corrected. When this occurs earlier in life, children are significantly less likely to experience permanent eye damage and vision loss. It is also important to have regular vision screenings and examinations for children to identify any issues which may not present obvious warning signs. Warning signs of preschool vision problems may include: Holding books too close to the face when reading Sitting too closely to the television Tilting the head for better vision Frequent eye rubbing, even when not tired Heightened sensitivity to light Frequent headaches or tired eyes Excessive watery eyes and...

read more

Contact Lenses for Kids

Contact Lenses for Kids

Contact lenses for kids can be an important aspect of treatment for kids with special vision needs. While the idea may seem inappropriate to some, contact lenses for kids are relatively common. Contact lenses may even be used in infants with aphakia, or absence of an eye lens after cataract removal surgery. When considering contact lenses for kids, parents and guardians should ensure that the child is responsible enough to understand responsibilities and follow directions. In infants, parents and guardians should consider the severity of the child’s medical need. Age for Contact Lenses Many parents and medical professionals have dissenting opinions regarding the optimal age for contact lenses for kids. In an American Optometric Association (AOA) survey, roughly half of optometrists felt that ages 10 to 12 are most appropriate. Roughly one-quarter felt that 13 to 14 was an appropriate age range, and the remaining quarter was divided amongst the eight to nine age range and below age eight. It is important to consider that age ranges are variable. The most important factors to consider relate to each individual child. Influencing Factors There are a number of factors that may influence the use of contact lenses for kids. A study from the Ohio State University’s College of Optometry showed that children ages eight through 11 may experience improved self-perception while wearing contacts as opposed to glasses. This pattern was especially prevalent in young girls. Other influencing factors may include, but are not limited to, the following: The child’s interest and motivation in wearing contact lenses The child’s maturity level The child’s ability to take care of lenses by himself or herself The child’s personal hygiene habits Whether or not the child participates in sports The intensity of the child’s prescription requirement Contact Lens Maintenance It is critical that kids with contact lenses practice proper hygiene and responsibility. A 2010 study in the journal Pediatrics examined children’s emergency room visits from medical device injuries and complications. Of the roughly 70,000 children observed, about one-fourth sought emergency attention for issues related to contact lenses. These issues included abrasions and infections due to poor responsibility and hygiene. Kids with contact lenses should practice the following safety and hygiene precautions: Always washing hands before inserting or cleaning lenses Drying hands with a clean and lint-free cloth after washing Only using doctor-advised products and solutions for cleaning contact lenses Rubbing, rinsing, and disinfecting contact lenses only as directed Avoiding wearing contact lenses for too long Avoiding wearing contact lenses in an eye that is red or irritated Never wearing another individual’s contact lenses Seeking medical attention or advice for prolonged eye itching, irritation, or burning Applying makeup after lens insertion and removing lenses before removing...

read more