Category Archives: children

Another Study Shows Progression of Nearsightedness Slowed With Contact Lenses

Posted on June 1, 2009 | 3 comments

Study from Ohio State University Confirms Prior Studies   Myopia Slowed With Contacts

In February, here in The Eye Doc Blog, we reported that The CANDY Study showed that OrthoKeratology contact lenses markedly slowed the progression of nearsightedness in children.  The results of The CANDY study have now been confirmed in the British Journal of Ophthalmology, the new study, Corneal Reshaping and Myopia Progression, showed that children wearing corneal reshaping lenses, also known as ortho-K or orthokeratology lenses significantly reduced the rate of change of the length of the children’s eyes.  The study participants wore the lenses for two years and ranged in refractive error from -0.75 to -4.00.  The study concluded that previous reports of slowed eye growth following corneal refractive therapy were confirmed.

Read more about Orthokeratology and Corneal Refractive Therapy at Total Eye Care.  Also view a video from ABC News about Ortho-K.

The archive summary of the study is available here.

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Posted in children, contact lens, orthokeratology, Refractive issues, Vision

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Orthokeratology Featured on ABC News

Posted on April 17, 2009 | 5 comments

I came across this video on orthokeratology .  I believe it is from 2002, however it is still very relevant and the information still applies to how ortho-k is a safe, viable, non-surgical option to vision correction.  Studies have also shown that overnight ortho-k may prevent or slow the progression of nearsightedness in children.

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Posted in children, orthokeratology, Refractive issues

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Study Shows Contact Lenses Improve The Self Image of Children

Posted on March 31, 2009 | 2 comments

A new study evaluated the self perception of children between ages 8 and 11, finding that the contact lens wearers had a significantly higher sense of self worth than eye glass wearers in the areas of physical appearance, athletic competence, social acceptance and scholastic competence.

As eye doctors we should not only consider the best mode of correction for the patient but also the social and psychological implications on the child.  More information about the Adolescent and Child Health Initiative to Encourage Vision Empowerment (ACHIEVE) Study is  available here.  This is excellent information for any parent considering whether glasses or contacts are right for their child.

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Posted in children, contact lens, eyecare, Refractive issues, Vision

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Study Finds Nearsightedness Slowed in Children With Contact Lenses

Posted on February 23, 2009 | 5 comments

It’s good to see another study indicating that Orthokeratology Contact Lenses prevent the progression of nearsightedness (myopia).  The Controlling Astigmatism & Nearsightedness in Developing Youth Study (CANDY) was based on a relatively small population (28 patients) and it would have been good to see the rate of myopic progression after removing the contact lenses over a greater period of time, however the data was compelling and warrants further study.

As eye doctors we are often asked if we can prevent the progression of nearsightedness in children.   Clinically, we feel that the answer is probably yes, however there are relatively few studies that have investigated this common question.  The CANDY Study backs up what we feel our clinical experience has taught us.  The progression of nearsightedness in CANDY study patients was 0.37D prior to wearing overnight Ortho-K contact lenses.   When the patients discontinued wearing their lenses they found that the patient’s refractive error, on average, had increased by only 0.03D.

An FDA sponsored study of 300 children started in 2007 and is expected to continue for 5 years.  Hopefully, the FDA study will answer more of our questions.  Additional findings from the CANDY Study found that the younger the child the more beneficial was the effect on controlling myopia and the technique was more convenient.   A more comprehensive look at Orthokeratology including a link to the CANDY Study is available on the Total Eye Care website.

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Posted in children, contact lens, orthokeratology, Refractive issues, Vision

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Optometrists, School Nurses Partner to Link Healthy Vision and Improved Classroom Learning

Posted on December 22, 2008 | Comments Off on Optometrists, School Nurses Partner to Link Healthy Vision and Improved Classroom Learning

The American Optometric Association and the National Association of School Nurses have come to agreement to promote comprehensive vision care for students to improve a students ability to learn in the classroom.  This comes on the heels of a study published in October by Vision Service Plan that showed that most children have not had an eye exam.  School screenings, while helpful and necessary, are unfortunately often confused by parents as an eye exam.  It will be great to see what the two associations do to promote better eye care and learning in children.  Read the entire press release here.

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Survey Shows Most Young Children Have Never Had an Eye Exam

Posted on October 30, 2008 | 2 comments

Vision Service Plan has answered a question that many of us have long suspected with the release of  a study conducted by VSP Vision Care.  The nationwide study of almost 4000 Americans called the Consumer Eye Care and Eyewear Survey.  Revealed that 76% of the the children under the age of 5 had never had an eye exam.

“While most parents probably assume that vision screenings provided by pediatricians and school nurses are enough, those screenings are nowhere near as exhaustive as the comprehensive eye exams that optometrists and ophthalmologist provide,” said James Short, O.D., chair of VSP Vision Care’s board of directors.

Dr. Short elaborated further “Before children enter school, an eye doctor should examine the eyes for signs of astigmatism, nearsightedness, farsightendnes and also examine the structure of the eye for telltale signs of serious diseases”.

The study goes on to discuss the importance of providing proper sunglasses for children, tips on how to get children to wear sunglasses, prevention of computer vision syndrome in children and how to spot when your child may need an eye exam.

Read more about the VSP Vsion Care Study here

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Posted in children, examinations

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Good Visibility is Essentially for a Safe Halloween

Posted on October 28, 2008 | Comments Off on Good Visibility is Essentially for a Safe Halloween

On Halloween, an assortment of ballerinas, clowns, ghosts, and other goblins will have their eyes on just one thing—candy. Roaming dimly lit neighborhoods is part of the fun for children in pursuit of treats, but it can also be dangerous.

“Trick-or-treaters and parents need to remember that on Halloween, to be safe, you must be seen,” said Dr. Richard A. Driscoll from Total Eye Care in Keller. “Studies have shown that a child’s risk of injury or death as a result of being hit by a car doubles around Halloween.”  ……….. Read More

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Protecting Your Eyes While playing Sports

Posted on October 10, 2008 | 1 comment

If you have ever played sports and worn glasses, you know the limitations in doing so. Glasses present obvious mobility and peripheral vision issues. In addition, glasses offer little protection and actually can contribute to damage to the eyes if glass lenses are shattered.

Contact lenses offer a safe, clear and comfortable alternative for the athlete on any field or court. Peripheral vision is not an issue with contact lenses. However, contact lenses don’t protect the eyes other than offer some protection for the cornea.

Winter and indoor sports like ice hockey, basketball, football, and gymnastics, along with water and pool activities, baseball, softball, racquet sports and golf contribute the greatest number of eye injuries.  Read more here.

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Posted in children, Cornea, emergency, eye, Eye Care, eyecare, Vision

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Eye Exams are a Crucial Part of Back to School

Posted on August 6, 2008 | 1 comment

Most of us learn visually.  Children especially are visual learners.  It is hypothesized that 80% of what a child learns is through their vision yet 86% of children have never had an eye exam.   People often assume a school screening, given by the school nurse, is adequate.  Pediatricians also offer visual screenings.

Vision screenings, while a helpful and necessary part of school back to school, allow many children that need help to fall through the cracks.  A comprehensive eye exam is truly what is needed to preserve a child’s vision.  An eye exam involves an assessment of a patient’s refractive condition (nearsighted, farsighted etc.), ocular health, binocular function (how the eyes work together) and a comprehensive medical and ocular and family history.  Timely eye exams can also prevent amblyopia and lazy eyes in children.  More information about vision and children is available on the Total Eye Care Website.

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Posted in children, examinations, Eye Care, Vision

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Q: “When should my child have her first eye exam?”

Posted on March 25, 2008 | 2 comments

A:

Your baby should have her eyes examined at any age if a

problem is suspected. Until recently eye exams were recommended for all children before they entered kindergarten. However, numerous national organizations such as the American Optometric Association, American Academy of Ophthalmology and Prevent Blindness America have begun to recommend that your child receive their first eye exam at 6 months of age and then again at 3 years of age. Many forms of blindness or amblyopia (a decrease in vision) that occur in children can be prevented if caught early. Before you take your child to your eye doctor ask them if they are set up to evaluate children that are your child’s age. Not all eye doctors see young children.

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Posted in children, examinations, eyecare, FAQ, optometrist, Vision

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