Seven Myths Regarding Children's Eyes
#1 Pink eye only happens in young children. While young kids are known
for getting pink eye, due to close contact in day care centers, so can
teenagers, college students, and adults-especially those who don’t clean
their contacts. The best way to keep pink eye from spreading is to
practice good hygiene, including washing your hands, not touching your eyes,
and using clean towels and other products around the face.
#2 Antibiotics are necessary to cure your child’s pink
eye.
Antibiotics are rarely necessary to treat pink eye. There are three types of
pink eye: Viral, Bacterial & Allergic Conjunctivitis. Most cases are caused
by viral infections or allergies and do not respond to antibiotics. Antibiotics
may be prescribed for bacterial conjunctivitis depending on severity. Mild
cases of bacterial conjunctivitis usually resolve on their own within 7 to 14
days without treatment.
#3 Sun is bad for your eyes. While it’s true that
long-term exposure to the sun without proper protection can increase the risk
of eye disease, some studies suggest sun exposure is
necessary for normal visual development. Children who have less sun exposure
seem to be at higher risk for developing myopia or nearsightedness.
Just make sure they’re protected with UV-blocking sunglasses and sunscreen.
#4 Blue light from screens is damaging children’s vision. Contrary to what you may
be reading on the internet, blue light is not
blinding you or your screen-obsessed kids. While it is true that
nearsightedness is becoming more common, blue light isn’t the culprit. In
fact, we are exposed to much more blue light naturally from the sun than we are
from our screens. The important thing to remember is to take frequent breaks. Use the 20-20-20
rule: look at an object at least 20 feet away every 20 minutes for at least 20
seconds.
#5 Vision loss only happens to adults. The eyes of a child
with amblyopia (lazy eye) may look normal, but this eye condition can
steal sight if not treated. Amblyopia is when vision in one of the child’s eyes
is reduced because the eye and brain are not working together properly. Strabismus (crossed eyes) is another eye condition
that can cause vision loss in a child. Strabismus is when the eyes do not line
up in the same direction when focusing on an object.
#6 All farsighted children need glasses. Most children are
farsighted early in life. It’s actually normal. It doesn’t necessarily mean
your child needs glasses because they use their focusing muscles to provide
clear vision for both distance and near vision. Children do need glasses when
their farsightedness blurs their vision or leads to strabismus. They will also
need glasses if they are significantly more farsighted in one eye compared with
the other, a condition that puts them at risk of developing amblyopia.
#7 There is no difference between a vision screening and
a vision exam.
While it’s true that your child’s eyes should be checked regularly, a less
invasive vision screening by a pediatrician, family doctor, ophthalmologist,
optometrist, orthoptist, or person trained in vision assessment of preschool
children is adequate for most children. If the screening detects a problem, the
child may need to see an ophthalmologist or other eye care professional. A
comprehensive exam involves the use of eye drops to dilate the pupil, enabling
a more thorough investigation of the overall health of the eye and visual
system.
If your child has not had a recent eye exam please schedule an appointment at Alabama Eye & Cataract Center in Birmingham at 205-930-0930, visit Alabama Eye & Cataract Center or www.facebook.com/alabamaeyecataractcenter.
Alabama Eye & Cataract Center is a leading eye care center in Birmingham located at UAB-Highlands, 1201 11th Avenue S, Suite 501, Birmingham, Alabama 35205 and staffed by UAB Medicine eye doctors and eye specialists.
