Keep an Eye on Child's Vision this School Year

HAMPTON, Va. - Aug. 12, 2013 - PRLog -- The start of school is quickly approaching, and
Alan L. Wagner, MD, FACS of Wagner Macula & Retina Center says it is important this time of year to assess a child’s vision.  He states, “One out of twenty preschool children have a vision problem, but the Academy of Ophthalmology estimates that close to eighty percent do not receive vision screenings.   In addition, an estimated twenty five percent of school aged children experience vision problems.”
 Children often do not complain about issues with vision, but once they are back in school there are indicators that may signal a need for a vision check.    Dr. Wagner explains, “Watch the children when they are reading.  Do they seem to straining to see the words in the book?     Are they complaining of headaches at night?”   In addition, it is important to note family history of childhood vision problems, a disinterest in reading, squinting when watching the television and more obvious issues like wandering or crossed eyes.  Dr. Wagner states,  “All of these issues would signal a need for a vision screening.”
  August is Children Vision and Learning Month as well as Children’s Eye and Health Safety Month.  Dr. Wagner advises all parents to keep an eye on their child’s vision as well as asking for vision checks at each yearly well visit with their family doctor.  He states, “If there is a problem with their vision, it is always beneficial to know about it as soon as possible and treat it accordingly.”
  Wagner Macula & Retina Center is dedicated to saving sight and enhancing lives.    They specialize in diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, eye tumors, and diagnosis and management of complex medical and surgical eye disease.  To learn more, log onto www.wagnerretina.com.