Eighty percent of what children learn is presented visually; children must see well to achieve their full potential. As children grow their eyes change. These changes are influenced by genes, normal growth patterns, and luck of the draw. Often if the parents wear glasses the child will, too. All children should have their eyes checked before entering school and yearly thereafter — children change quickly!

School screenings can catch large problems but children can squeak by, listening to the child ahead in line or squinting when the tester is not looking. If there is a problem an annual examination from an optometrist can catch it early. Classroom challenges include: overheads, white boards, workbooks and computers. Children who do not see well are unable to participate in class and learn basic skills.

The annual exam is painless and fun, it even includes cartoons! A yearly examination helps the child know the importance of vision and eye health. Dr. Scarbrough will ask about medical, eye and family vision history. The child will read an eye chart (or identify animals and shapes if the child is too young to read). Eye coordination is tested — even though each eye sees well independently does not mean the eyes work well together. Examinations of the exterior and interior parts of the eyes complete the testing.

Hyperopia (farsightedness) can affect a child’s ability to read for long periods of time. The child can be distracted, cranky, sleepy and avoid near-work, which are devastating to learning. Extremely farsighted eyes can become lazy or crossed. Lazy eyes never get good focus interfering with proper brain development. If caught early, a lazy eye can be addressed; if not caught by the age of seven the chance of having good vision in that eye is small. This can haunt the person as an adult if good vision or depth perception is required for a certain job. Even a temporary injury leaves the lazy-eyed person unable to function normally.

Myopia (nearsightedness) starts with puberty. Prescriptions can change in sudden, growth-related spurts or in a slow pattern. These changes are pre-determined at birth and are triggered by normal growth. Some parents fear wearing or not wearing glasses will influence the child’s ultimate need for glasses — this is a myth. However, learning will be hampered if the child does not wear glasses when needed.

Glasses do get scratched and broken but the child’s needs must come first. Because children are rambunctious we recommend polycarbonate lenses. Polycarbonate lenses are shatter-resistant, have UV protection built in and a scratch coating included. Durable frames should be selected to help withstand constant banging and adjusting. Most frames for children are either twistable or have spring hinges. Nosepads help keep the glasses up on the nose. Glasses are often replaced every 6-12 months due to prescription changes, scratched lenses, or growth.

Parents and children often ask about contact lenses. Emotional maturity and motivation are large factors. Is the child good about personal hygiene and responsibility?

Dr. Scarbrough may recommend hard lenses as a possible retainer to slow future prescription changes. Hard lenses are less likely to harbor bacteria and cause eye infection or permanent damage.

Soft lenses are less expensive and more comfortable initially. They do, however, require more upkeep and are more likely to be abused (not kept clean or overworn). Contact lenses can threaten the health of the child’s eyes and future ability to wear contacts if not worn appropriately and kept clean. This decision should not be made lightly.

Eye examinations for children are important; a child’s vision impacts everything in life. Visual problems can be caught early and addressed before they complicate a child’s life. An annual eye examination is important for safety and success.

by K. W. Scarbrough, OD
Woodinville Weekly News