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.
