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Binocular vision
difficulties affect at least 15 out every 100 children. Early
detection and appropriate therapy is vital.
The Florida Eye Center is
dedicated to providing valuable information about visual health
care and binocular vision impairments, such as amblyopia ("lazy
eye"), strabismus (esotropia, exotropia, "wandering-eye",
"crossed-eyes", wall eyes"), double vision, and convergence
insufficiency
Signs of Vision Problems
If you answer "Yes" or "Sometimes" to
four or more of the following questions, your child may have a
learning related visual problem. Call our office at 727-895-2020
to schedule a screening or consultation.
Does your child:
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Hold objects very close to
their eyes?
Excessively rub their eyes,
blink or squint after close visual work?
Tilt the head to one side?
Have
difficulty catching or getting a ball, tying shoelaces or
distinguishing right from left?
Move the head (and not the eye)
when reading.
Complain of headaches after
reading?
Become tired after reading?
Frequently lose his place when
reading or use his finger as a pointer?
Have difficulty comprehending
what they have read?
Reads slowly?
Takes a long time finishing
assignments?
Move their head back and forth
instead of just their eyes while reading? |
Complain of headaches or
eyestrain?
Have red or watery eyes (which
could also be a sign of allergies).
Have poor hand-eye coordination
(this may also reflect muscle problems)?
Perform below expected levels
in school?
Have a short attention span or
difficulty staying on task?
Have an eye that turns in or
out?
Sometimes reverses words or
letters?
Have difficulty comprehending
what he has read, or reads slowly?
Complains of blurred vision
with schoolwork or reading?
Have difficulty copying from a
textbook or chalkboard?
Avoid reading? |
Children's Eye Exam
The American Optometric Association
recommends that pre-school children receive a complete vision exam
at the ages of six months, three years and five years. It is
particularly important that a child have a complete evaluation in
the summer prior to entry into Kindergarten. While in school,
yearly evaluations are recommended.
Florida Eye Center provides a thorough
pediatric exam. The exam includes: visual acuity using shapes and
pictures, intraocular pressure, pupil exam, muscle evaluation,
external assessment, verification of prescription for glasses if
needed, slit lamp or internal exam.
Protecting your child's eyes
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Eye injuries are among the most
common threats to a child’s vision. Most eye injuries happen
during sports or recreational activities, and 90 percent of all
eye injuries can be prevented. It is important for parents and
children to become aware of the dangers and to take these
necessary precautions:
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Make sure your children wear
protective eyewear when participating in activities or sports,
such as baseball, basketball, soccer, hockey, tennis, or
racquetball.
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Supervise children when they are
handling potentially dangerous glass or pointed items such as
pencils, pens, scissors, etc.
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Do not allow children to play with
darts, bows & arrows, BB guns, guns or fireworks.
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Keep all sprays and chemicals out of
reach of small children.
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Select games and toys that are age
appropriate.
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If an eye injury occurs, it is
always best to have an ophthalmologist, pediatrician, or
emergency room physician examine the eye as soon as possible.
Children with serious eye injuries should always be taken
quickly to the nearest emergency room for evaluation
Choosing Eyewear for your Child
Choose glasses with cable temples that
wrap around the ear so they can’t come off easily. Durable,
malleable metals and hard plastics are likely to withstand all the
punishment a child can muster. Lightweight eyewear is best for
children because heavier glasses often leave red marks on the
nose. Bright, colorful frames are especially popular with
children.
Dr. Alisha Johnson,
Dr. Robert Melby,
Dr. Jefferey D. Phillips,
Dr. Rebecca J. Sims,
Dr. Robert S. Webb
all our Optometric Physicians are Board Certified. The doctor’s
at Florida Eye Center's are committed to excellence and quality
and is the reason this office is superior in vision correction.
Our 4 offices are conveniently located in St. Petersburg.
Call (727) 895-2020 today for free information on children’s eye
exam. |
