May is Healthy Vision Month

There’s a day/week/month for everything. Well, May is Healthy Vision Month.

According to Contact Lenses Today:

The National Eye Institute observes Health Vision month in May, an annual observance designed to raise awareness of the importance of eye care for those at risk for developing eye and vision problems. This year’s observance highlights the importance of early glaucoma detection. The NEI is encouraging patients to get a dilated eye exam and to spread the word to family and friend using its e-cards and brochures. For more information, visit http://www.nei.nih.gov/glaucoma.

Related links:
Study claims children/teens benefit from contact lenses

Kids Need Sunglasses Too

Action video games *may* improve vision

Kids Need Sunglasses Too

This quote is taken from a marketing newsletter sent to Eye Care Professionals:

“Children are often exposed to sun more than their adult counterparts. From soccer to the pool, snowboard to the backyard, children are exposed to harmful UV rays daily. Don’t forget to discuss a child’s need for sunwear protection with parents. If the child is involved in sports, consider the recommendations of activity specific eyewear protection.”

It has merit. From personal experience I understand that the retina can be damaged in many ways and in different environments.

Each summer it seems like I buy at least a dozen $5 sun glasses before it’s back-to-school time. Each is lovingly worn and destroyed swiftly. I’ve never given much thought during the buying process other than which super hero design was cool enough for my boys.

I did a little sleuthing. Here’s one of the better articles I found on buying sunglasses for children.

Essentially, you should look for these features:

• Labels identifying 99-100% Ultraviolet light protection against UVA and UVB rays
• Shatter resistance
• Wrap around provide protection from sun entering from the sides

Also, invest in a simple strap or chain to hang the glasses around their neck when temporarily not in use — so they don’t get lost or broken.

So my opinion is turning and I’m more willing to invest a bit more time and money to ensure they’re at least getting a durable product with a UV protection claim.

Consider it next time your shopping for your kids.

Roland

Article: Children’s Vision Bill Introduced

According to the latest issue of Contact Lenses Today:

Children’s Vision Bill Introduced
Identical versions of the “Vision Care for Kids Act of 2007” have been introduced in both the U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate. The bill would allow the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide federal grants to states to provide eye exams and follow-up treatment services to children identified through a vision screening or eye exam. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), one in three children receive eye care services before the age of six, while one in four preschoolers has a vision problem.
The bill is sponsored in the Senate by Sens. Christopher Bond (R-Mo.) and Christopher Dodd (D-Ct.) and in the House by Reps. Eliot Engel (D-N.Y.), Vito Fossella (R-N.Y.), Gene Green (D-Texas), Bill Pascrell (D-N.J.), Ileana Rose-Lehiten (R-Fla.) and John Sullivan (R.-Okla.). It is supported by the Vision Council of America (VCA), American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus, the American Optometric Association (AOA) and prevent Blindness America (PBA).

What does that mean to us moms and dads? Not sure, I haven’t found anything yet that explains how this REALLY benefits the average mom and dad. One thing is for certain… us taxpayers will ultimately end up paying for it.

Study claims children/teens benefit from contact lenses

Research results published last month observed that contact lens wear offers comparable quality of life benefits for children and teens.

Children under 12 years of age and teenagers both benefit greatly from contact lens wear and perceive an improvement in quality of life one-week and one-month after changing from eyeglasses to contact lenses according to findings from a multi-site study comparing the two groups. After one-month of contact lens wear, parents report no significant difference in wearing time between children 12 or younger and teens, and investigators note that younger wearers are as adept at insertion and removal of contact lenses as teens.

Children under 12 years of age and teenagers both benefit greatly from contact lens wear and perceive an improvement in quality of life one-week and one-month after changing from eyeglasses to contact lenses according to findings from a multi-site study comparing the two groups. After one-month of contact lens wear, parents report no significant difference in wearing time between children 12 or younger and teens, and investigators note that younger wearers are as adept at insertion and removal of contact lenses as teens.

It’s important to note that this the survey was sponsored by a leading contact lens manufacturer.

Considering how wild a child can be — running around, playing rough, participating in sports — it’s inevitable that a child may break his/her eyeglasses by accident. Also, other children can be just plain cruel and criticize their victim for every tiny thing, including being “4 eyes.” When you consider how fragile a child’s self esteem is, contact lenses may be an option to consider with proper training and overseeing.

Read more about the research and methodology.

-Roland

« Previous Page