Not Too Early for Student Eye Exams
It's not too early to think about what you need to do to get your kids ready for school. One of the most important items on your child's "school supply" list should be an eye exam. To succeed at school, it is imperative that children see their very best.
You may not notice that your child has a vision problem, as kids don't usually complain. So get a jump on your back to school blitz by making your child an appointment for a thorough eye exam.
Suggested Reading
- Prepare Your Child for an Eye Exam
- Are School Vision Screenings Enough?
- Signs Your Child Needs Glasses
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Who's Your Eye Doctor?
Which type of eye doctor do you prefer?
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Silent Brain Infarcts Linked to Glaucoma
Note that the study involved Chinese patients, and the findings might not be applicable to other ethnic groups.
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Source: Bankhead, Charles. Silent Brain Infarcts Linked to Progressive Glaucoma. MedPage Today, 1 July 2009.
When it Comes to Your Eyes, Make it Home Safe Home
In an effort to cut down on household eye injuries, the Academy and ASOT recommend that every household have at least one pair of protective eyewear to be worn when doing projects and activities at home to safeguard against eye injuries.
To help promote awareness of eye protection, the campaign also released new public service announcements featuring Norm Abram, master carpenter of the PBS series This Old House and host of The New Yankee Workshop. Mr. Abram has promoted the importance of eye safety while doing home projects for three decades.
Suggested Reading:
Source: American Academy of Ophthalmology. Norm Abram Discusses Eye Safety. EyeSmart.com.
Sparklers Pose Danger for Children
In 2007, approximately 6,300 Americans were treated in emergency rooms across the country due to fireworks-related injuries around the Fourth of July, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Unfortunately, more than 40 percent of all fireworks injuries were to children under the age of 15.
Parents are sometimes surprised to learn that sparklers accounted for the most injuries that required medical attention to children ages 4 and under, and even more surprised to learn that sparklers were associated with the most number of injuries to both adults and children. According to the National Fire Protection Association, "safe and sane" fireworks caused more injuries than illegal fireworks, especially to preschool children.
Source: Prevent Blindness America. Fireworks Pose Dangerous Risks, Especially to Children, 25 Jun 2009.
Image © Digital Vision / Getty Images
Do You Know the Symptoms of a Cataract?
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Supplement May Slow Sight Loss in Elderly
An antioxidant supplement may slow down sight loss in elderly people. A five-year research program has found the supplement may help those affected by the leading cause of blindness in the Western World. Professor Usha Chakravarthy, from Queen's Centre of Vision and Vascular Science (CVVS), and researchers looked at nutritional supplements for patients with early age-related macular (AMD) degeneration and found they helped sharpen vision.
The supplement used in the study is called CARMA (Caroteneoids and Co-antioxidants in Age-related Maculopathy) and contains the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin, and vitamins C,E and Zinc.
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Source: Queen's University Belfast. New Supplement May Help Slow Sight Loss In Elderly. Medical news Today, 19 Jun 2009.
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Father's Day for Low Vision Dads
Did you know 1.3 million men in the U.S. are suffering from some form of visual impairment? This Father’s Day, surprise Dad with cost-efficient vision aids to help him independently operate the T.V. remote, play poker, read his favorite sports magazines, shop at the local market, and more. These last minute gadget gifts are available for prices ranging from $3 to $3,000 from ShopLowVision.com and Optelec.
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Source: Berg, Courtney. Optelec. Jun 2009.
Photo © Optelec
Dilation Side Effects
I had my eyes dilated in an exam, and about two hours later experienced nausea, shakiness and dizziness that came on very suddenly. It lasted for about an hour, then slowly went away over the next two hours. I have had my eyes dilated every year since I was ten (I'm 50) and have never had this happen before. Is this a possible side effect of the drug used to dilate?Answer from the doctor:
Some patients can have a mild allergic reaction to dilating drops. Maybe the last doctor used a different type of drop, or this time your pupils were so dilated they became super light sensitive. At your next eye exam, ask your doctor to use a mild drop, as the last time you had a strong reaction.
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Eye Conditions Linked to Corneal Transplant Failure
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Source: University of Michigan Health System. Factors Linked to Failure of Corneal Transplants. NewsWise, 11 Jun 2009.

