August 2020 Newsletter
Make Sure Your Child is Ready for Success in School!
Twenty-five percent of school children have vision problems; many go undiagnosed and untreated. That can leave too many kids behind, wasting years of education and money. Requiring comprehensive eye exams can help more kids succeed academically and graduate. Don’t delay in scheduling your child’s eye exam.
We have a “Back to School” Student Special available: $175 for full dilated eye exam and glasses*.
When purchasing a new pair of glasses for your child you can put their new prescription in an old frame for $29.95*.
* Single Vision Clear Polycarbonate Lenses up to RX +/- 4.00. Not to be combined with other offers.
Seven Myths About Children’s Eyes
Think you have the facts on your child’s eye care? When is the right time to have their eyes checked? Is too much screen time damaging their eyes? Do they need to wear sunglasses? There are a lot of myths and misinformation out there about children’s eye health. Don’t turn to Dr. Google for answers, ask us. Here, The Eye Centers of Northwest Ohio and the American Academy of Ophthalmology debunk seven common myths about children’s eye health:
Think you have the facts on your child’s eye care? When is the right time to have their eyes checked? Is too much screen time damaging their eyes? Do they need to wear sunglasses? There are a lot of myths and misinformation out there about children’s eye health. Don’t turn to Dr. Google for answers, ask us. Here, The Eye Centers of Northwest Ohio and the American Academy of Ophthalmology debunk seven common myths about children’s eye health:
Pink eye only happens in young children. While young kids are known for getting pink eye, due to close contact in day care centers, so can teenagers, college students, and adults — especially those who don’t clean their contacts properly. The best way to keep pink eye from spreading is to practice good hygiene; including washing your hands, not touching your eyes, and using clean towels and other products around the face.
Antibiotics are necessary to cure your child’s pink eye. Antibiotics are rarely necessary to treat pink eye. There are three types of pink eye: viral, bacterial, and allergic conjunctivitis. Most cases are caused by viral infections or allergies and do not respond to antibiotics. Antibiotics may be prescribed for bacterial conjunctivitis depending on severity.
Sun is bad for your eyes. While it’s true that long-term exposure to the sun without proper protection can increase the risk of eye disease, some studies suggest sun exposure is necessary for normal visual development. Children who have less sun exposure seem to be at higher risk for developing myopia or nearsightedness. Just make sure they’re protected with UV-blocking sunglasses and sunscreen.
Blue light from screens is damaging children’s vision. Contrary to what you may be reading on the Internet, blue light is not blinding you or your screen-obsessed kids. While it is true that nearsightedness is becoming more common, blue light isn’t the culprit. In fact, we are exposed to much more blue light naturally from the sun than we are from our screens. The important thing to remember is to take frequent breaks. We recommend the 20-20-20 rule: look at an object at least 20 feet away every 20 minutes for at least 20 seconds.
Vision loss only happens to adults. The eyes of a child with amblyopia (lazy eye) may look normal, but this eye condition can steal sight if not treated. Amblyopia is when vision in one of the child’s eyes is reduced because the eye and brain are not working together properly. Strabismus (crossed eyes) is another eye condition that can cause vision loss in a child. Strabismus is when the eyes do not line up in the same direction when focusing on an object.
All farsighted children need glasses. Most children are farsighted early in life. It’s actually normal. It doesn’t necessarily mean your child needs glasses because they use their focusing muscles to provide clear vision for both distance and near vision. Children do need glasses when their farsightedness blurs their vision or leads to strabismus. They will also need glasses if they are significantly more farsighted in one eye compared with the other, a condition that puts them at risk of developing amblyopia.
There is no difference between a vision screening and a vision exam. That is not true. We recommend full dilated eye exams at 6-12 months, before starting pre-school and again before starting kindergarten.
InfantSEE Eye Exams
InfantSEE is a national program designed to address the problems of early childhood eye problems that often go undetected
We are fortunate to have an InfantSEE doctor on staff, Dr. Jason Kolodziejczyk.
This program was developed by the American Optometric Association and provides no-cost assessments for children ages 6 to 12 months old.
Providing children with eye screenings at an early age can prevent many problems from occurring or reduce the harmful effects of many eye problems. Early intervention can prevent many eye and vision problems and can more easily correct those problems that do occur.
What we look for in an InfantSEE Assessment:
1. What is the patient/family history?
We will look at risk factors such as low birth weight, premature birth, family history of eye problems, infection of the mother during pregnancy, and difficult labor.
2. Can the baby see?
We will determine if the baby can see by having the child follow an object with his or her eyes and focus on an object. We will also see whether your child prefers to look at objects that are close up or far away.
3. Are the eyes healthy?
We will look at the structure of the eye, the tear ducts, and pupil function. All of these tests should be performed when the baby is calm and relaxed, such as during a bottle feeding or while the child is sleeping.
Schedule your child’s InfantSEE exam today.
August is Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month
In This Issue
Make Sure Your Child is Ready for Success in School!
Seven Myths About Children’s Eyes
InfantSEE Eye Exams
See 20/20 in 2020 with the Eye Centers of Northwest Ohio
Contact Us
2311 W. Hayes Ave,
Fremont
Ohio 43420
(419) 334 8121
622 Parkway Drive,
Fostoria
Ohio 44830
(419) 435 3482
Courtesy: Prevent Blindness
Courtesy: National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health (NEI/NIH)
No Vision Insurance, No Problem. Join our Membership Program today!
Courtesy: The American Academy of Ophthalmology
For previous newsletters:
