Vision develops early in life, primarily before the age of eight, making childhood the time to diagnose and address vision problems. Statistics from Prevent Blindness America (PBA), a national volunteer eye health and safety organization, show that 25% of school-age children have vision impairments. One in 20 preschool children has an eye problem that, if left uncorrected, could lead to permanent vision loss. According to PBA, vision problems can affect learning ability, personality, and adjustment in school.
The medical staff at Apple Hill Eye Center offers the expertise, sensitivity and skill to address your child's vision needs. From treating diseases of the eye to prescribing glasses, our staff provides a full range of pediatric ophthalmology services.
It is important for your children to have regular eye examinations, in addition to the vision tests received in school. Regular exams should be begin no later than age two and continue at least every other year unless your doctor recommends otherwise. If your child exhibits vision difficulty prior to the age of two, call to schedule an appointment immediately. If you think your child of any age is having difficulties with their vision, make an appointment for an eye examination. The following are indicators that your child may be having vision difficulties:
When an eye examination reveals that a child needs corrective lenses, parents should include their child in the selection process. Apple Hill Eye Center's optical department has a variety of children's frames that can help children find glasses they will feel good about wearing. If children don't like their glasses, they probably won't wear them. The choice of eyewear should be a joint decision between the child, the parents and the professional. Our eyewear professionals will explain the use and care of eyeglasses to your child, and make certain you and your child understand exactly when the glasses are to be worn.
Lazy eye, or amblyopia, is a common, preventable condition seen in 3 percent of all children. Lazy eye is poor vision in one or both eyes that occurs when sight does not develop normally in early childhood. Lazy eye can be caused by one eye being out of focus, an undiscovered need for glasses, or when eyes are misaligned. Cases of lazy eye are generally treated by correcting the underlying cause and stimulating visual development.
Children with strabismus have eyes that are misaligned, "crossed" or drifting. A major cause of lazy eye, strabismus affects depth perception and peripheral vision. Most cases of strabismus can be addressed through a combination of corrective lenses, eye patching and/or surgery.
Cataracts are the clouding of the eye's clear lens. Some babies are born with cataracts or develop them in childhood, often in both eyes. These cataracts may be so small that they do not affect vision. If they do, the lenses may need to be removed. Glasses or contact lenses may be sufficient treatment, although surgery is frequently necessary.