In the early stages of one's development, the bulk of what a person learns is accredited to visual stimuli. An ophthalmologist (or eye doctor) would recommend an eye exam at least once every few years for children under the age of six. Unfortunately, as with many recommendations, this advice goes unheeded. Regular check ups by the family physician may be the norm, but the value of visiting an eye care specialist should not be underscored. Here are reasons why your child should see an ophthalmologist.
Learning Disabilities
An increasing number of children have learning disabilities typically attributed to ADHD or dyslexia. At least a third of these are actually misdiagnosed visual impairments. One reason for this is that children with ADHD and ones with compromised vision often display similar types of behavior. Another reason is that only 20 percent of preschoolers undergo visual screenings that in turn may lead to the revocation of these perceived learning disorders. Under the care of an ophthalmologist, many ocular debilitations suffered by children can be readily managed or even corrected. Once a proper diagnosis and treatment are in place, many children may not only succeed scholastically but excel.
Chronic Issues
Sight problems in children can run deeper than solely affecting their ability to learn. Other visual impairments can impede a child's depth perception, leading to poor eye-hand coordination or a physical ineptness. Muscular imbalances in the eye can promote conditions that may commonly be known as "cross-eyed" or "lazy eye." In some rare cases, a disease like glaucoma affects the vision of a young person. Though more prevalent in adults or the elderly, this disease is not age exclusive and without proper treatment can lead to blindness. As with other seeing disorders, a person's family history may help in determining whether one has a predisposition.
Starting a Routine
Children need not be the only beneficiaries of ophthalmological consultation. Taking them to the eye doctor establishes a routine at an early age. For those who have similar conditions lingering from childhood, returning to the medical facility could relieve their ailments. Eye-related conditions can develop at any stage of life and can sometimes go unrecognized. This is why it is important to start a routine early. Sometimes headaches or migraines may be the result of early stages of glaucoma, even if no perceptual abnormalities yet coincide with them.
Regular visits to an ophthalmologist are integral to addressing issues that can impair a child's development.
Learning Disabilities
An increasing number of children have learning disabilities typically attributed to ADHD or dyslexia. At least a third of these are actually misdiagnosed visual impairments. One reason for this is that children with ADHD and ones with compromised vision often display similar types of behavior. Another reason is that only 20 percent of preschoolers undergo visual screenings that in turn may lead to the revocation of these perceived learning disorders. Under the care of an ophthalmologist, many ocular debilitations suffered by children can be readily managed or even corrected. Once a proper diagnosis and treatment are in place, many children may not only succeed scholastically but excel.
Chronic Issues
Sight problems in children can run deeper than solely affecting their ability to learn. Other visual impairments can impede a child's depth perception, leading to poor eye-hand coordination or a physical ineptness. Muscular imbalances in the eye can promote conditions that may commonly be known as "cross-eyed" or "lazy eye." In some rare cases, a disease like glaucoma affects the vision of a young person. Though more prevalent in adults or the elderly, this disease is not age exclusive and without proper treatment can lead to blindness. As with other seeing disorders, a person's family history may help in determining whether one has a predisposition.
Starting a Routine
Children need not be the only beneficiaries of ophthalmological consultation. Taking them to the eye doctor establishes a routine at an early age. For those who have similar conditions lingering from childhood, returning to the medical facility could relieve their ailments. Eye-related conditions can develop at any stage of life and can sometimes go unrecognized. This is why it is important to start a routine early. Sometimes headaches or migraines may be the result of early stages of glaucoma, even if no perceptual abnormalities yet coincide with them.
Regular visits to an ophthalmologist are integral to addressing issues that can impair a child's development.
When considering ophthalmologists, Portsmouth residents visit Excellent Vision. Learn more about them at http://www.excellentvision.com/Doctors/.
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