A child's vision: Why it is important to follow the advice of an ophthalmologist

Eye health is a fundamental component of a child's overall development. The ability to see clearly affects not only academic performance, but also on physical development, social interaction and formation of self-esteem. Correct vision correction, appointed by an ophthalmologist, is key to preventing long-term problems. /child's vision

1. Why is it important for children to wear glasses?, which were prescribed by an ophthalmologist

Glasses for a child are not just a tool for “better vision”, itmedicinal product, necessary for the correct development of the visual system.

• Prevention of amblyopia (“lazy eye”): Children of preschool and primary school age have uncorrected farsightedness, nearsightedness or astigmatism can lead to, that the brain will start to ignore the image, coming from the eye, which sees worse. This can cause amblyopia - a condition, in which vision in one eye is not fully developed, and it is almost impossible to correct in adulthood. The glasses provide a clear image, stimulating both eyes to work equally.
• Learning support: Close 80% children receive information visually. Poor eyesight makes reading difficult, letter, computer work and concentration of attention. Correctly selected glasses eliminate visual strain, allowing the child to focus on learning, and not on trying to see.
• Improving coordination and security: Uncorrected vision can affect spatial perception and coordination, increasing the risk of falls or injuries during games and sports.
• Voltage reduction: Children with vision problems often experience headaches, eye fatigue and squinting. Glasses relieve this excessive tension.

2. Truth and myths about children's ophthalmology

Parents are often faced with outdated or false ideas about vision correction in children. Here are some of them:

3. How to take care of that, so that your child's vision does not deteriorate

Although genetics play an important role, there are proven methods, that can help protect your child's vision:

• Rule 20-20-20: While working with screens or reading, each 20 minutes the child must look at the object, located at a distance 20 feet (close 6 meters), for 20 seconds.
• More time outdoors: Researches show, which is held outdoors at least 90-120 minutes per day significantly reduces the risk of development and progression of myopia. Light on the street, even in cloudy weather, stimulates the release of dopamine in the retina, which inhibits the growth of the eye.
• Correct lighting: Provide enough, but not too bright lighting. When reading, the light should fall from the opposite side of the hand, with which the child writes, to avoid the shadow.
• Distance to objects: Follow up, so that the child keeps the book or phone/tablet screen at a distance of no less 30-40 cm from the eyes.
• Balanced nutrition: Diet, rich in Omega-3 fatty acids (riba), lutein and zeaxanthin (spinach, cabbage, eggs), as well as vitamins A, CAKE, supports the health of the retina.

4. Why you should not ignore the doctor's advice on correcting your child's vision /child's vision

Ignoring the advice of an ophthalmologist can have irreversible consequences:

• Loss “critical period”: The critical period for the development of vision lasts until about 7-9 years. If at this time the brain does not receive a clear image due to uncorrected refractive error, this can lead to permanent vision loss (Amblyopia), which cannot be corrected later.
• Disease progression: With myopia (myopia) glasses help reduce eye strain. Improper or missing correction can contribute to the further progression of myopia.
• Persistent strabismus (strabismus): Some types of strabismus (especially related to farsightedness) are successfully treated exclusively by wearing glasses. If you miss this moment, surgery may be required.
• Emotional and social discomfort: The child may feel frustrated, being distracted or avoiding games due to inability to see clearly.

Importantly: Glasses, prescribed by a doctor, is part of an individual treatment plan. If your doctor has prescribed them for permanent wear, it means, that their function is not only to improve the quality of life, but also protect your child's visual potential.

5. Children and contact lenses: at what age can you start wearing? /child's vision

Although contact lenses are an attractive alternative to glasses, especially for active children, age restrictions apply not so much to biological ones, How manypsychological and hygienic factors.

General rule: Most ophthalmologists recommend starting to consider wearing contact lensesuntil 10 years, although in our clinic there were successful cases of teaching children to put on and take off lenses aged from 6 years.

Key readiness factors:

1. Responsibility and maturity (The main factor): The child must be mature enough, to independently follow strict rules of hygiene: wash your hands before each contact with the lenses, it is correct to remove them, clean and store. Violation of these rules can lead to serious eye infections.
2. Motivation: Wearing lenses should be the desire of the child himself, and not at the insistence of parents.
3. A type of sport: For some sports (especially contact or water) lenses may be a safer and more convenient correction option, than glasses.

In any case, the decision to switch to contact lenses should be made only after consultation with a pediatric ophthalmologist and assessment of the child's readiness.

A child's vision