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Don't tell your kids, but it is time to start thinking
about going back to school. Are your children ready? Do they
have the necessary school and sports physicals and
vaccinations? How long has it been since their eyes have
been tested?
If your child has problems seeing, it follows that he or
she may have other classroom problems. Does your child:
- Rub eyes excessively?
- Squint or cover one eye?
- Hold objects close to eyes?
- Blinks more than normal when doing close work?
- Complain that eyes itch or burn?
- Complain of headaches or dizziness when doing close
work?
- Complain of blurred or double vision?
"The most common childhood eye problems are easily
treated if detected," says Ronald Keech, M.D., University of
Iowa Health Care ophthalmologist. "The key to treating
childhood eye problems is early recognition. A complete eye
examination is indicated if any of the warning signs are
present or if there is a family history of childhood eye
disorders."
Vision problems may affect as many as one in 20
preschoolers and one in four school-age children. Vision
problems that are left untreated may worsen and lead to
other problems, as well as affect your child's ability to
learn. If you would like to have your preschool child's
vision tested, contact the Coming to Your Senses program at
319-353-7616.
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Common eye problems
Amblyopia (lazy eye)--one eye becomes
stronger, suppressing the image of the other.
Strabismus--eyes do not point in the same
direction.
Color blindness--trouble distinguishing between
certain colors. It is hereditary and is more prevalent in
boys.
Myopia (nearsightedness)--distant images appear
blurred.
Hyperopia (farsightedness)--close images appear
blurred.
Astigmatism--images appear distorted.
For More Information
Listed above is a Web site that offer additional
information on this topic. University of Iowa Health Care
does not sponsor or endorse these sites, or guarantee the
accuracy of the information contained on these sites. These
links are here for general information only, and should not
be used for personal diagnosis or treatment. If you have any
questions, please contact UI
Health Access.
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