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LINDBERG Junior |
ic! Berlin for Kids
CHILDREN
AND VISION
The wonders of the
world are first encountered through the eyes of a child.
Without good vision, a child's ability to learn about the
world becomes more difficult. Vision problems affect one in
twenty preschoolers and one in four school-age children.
Since many vision problems begin at an early age, it
is important that
children receive proper eye care. Your child's eyes should be
examined by the age of three, unless a need is identified
earlier.
THE
DEVELOPMENT OF VISION
When
we are born the brain cells that control our vision is not yet
fully developed. Although newborn infants are able to see,
vision improves over time as use of the eye increases. After
the first eight or nine years, the development of the visual system
in complete.
Most
children are born farsighted (hyperopia). Fortunately most
children have a remarkable ability to focus their eyes to correct
the farsightedness themselves.
During
a visit to the Eye Doctor, they will check your child
for:
- Myopia:
"Nearsightedness" - is very common, it is a vision condition in
which near objects are seen clearly, but distant objects do not
come into proper focus.
- Hyperopia:
"Farsightedness" - is a condition where far objects are seen more
clearly than near ones.
- Astigmatism - blurs
the vision at all distances because the vertical and horizontal
meridian of the eye focus light differently.
- Amblyopia: "Lazy
Eye" - is the loss, or lack of development of detailed visions in
one eye. Early diagnosis increases the chance for a complete
recovery.
- Strabismus: "Crossed
Eyes" - is a condition where the eyes are not straight. This
can lead to amblyopia (lazy eye) if not corrected
early.
Talk
with you child about the examination prior to the visit and
encourage questions. Make the appointment early in the day so
that your child is well rested. And assure your child that
the examination is completely painless. Your child does not
have to know the alphabet or how to read to have their eyes
examined.
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