Myths and Facts About Children’s Eye Health
Our daughter started wearing glasses when she was a year and a half. We’ve had a long road of patching, drops, surgery, and eye examinations to treat her amblyopia. There was a steep learning curve for my husband and myself about her condition and eye health in general. Mommy Mythbuster has a great article on the myths and facts of children’s eye health.
Some of the myths discussed include sitting too close to the television, eating carrots, and contact lenses. My favorite nugget of information:
“If a child is sitting too close to the TV or computer screen, it is probably because he needs glasses to see well. Sitting very close to the screen will not cause them to need glasses,” said Dr. Borchert.
To make your child’s computer station more comfortable, make sure the screen is at eye level. Reduce screen glare by using a desk lamp with a dimmer so there isn’t a big contrast between the brightness of the screen and the room. Make sure your child can’t see her own reflection on the screen.
Diane Said,
October 22, 2009 @ 7:53 pm
I was told (by my folks)that the reason why I became (and remained) so incredibly nearsighted when I was nine was because I read in “bad light” a lot. When our pediatrician saw my glasses, he asked what age I got them. I told him, and added “…but, I read a lot in bad light.” He looked at me with an funny expression, and said “That has nothing to do with your nearsightedness. It’s genetic.” I still can’t believe it. It’s not my fault!
Fiona Said,
October 22, 2009 @ 8:01 pm
@Diane Yay! Love to blame my genes!
Jim Said,
October 23, 2009 @ 6:02 am
What a cutie. We get our daughter’s patches online and she’s got a pink one with skull&crossbones. Might as well have fun with it…
Stepan Said,
October 23, 2009 @ 2:21 pm
My kids’ vision seems to be, so far, pretty good – though with mine and my wife’s myopia, I imagine they’ll eventully end up with glasses.
At our library, we recently came across a cool picture book about amblyopia called “My Travelin’ Eye”. My 5yo loved it and I’m sure it would strike a chord with children that have the condition or know someone who has it.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0805081690?ie=UTF8&tag=nonplusnet&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0805081690