Category: Your Child’s Eyes

Color Vision Deficiency

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Color vision deficiency is often called “color blindness” by mistake. Color vision deficiency describes a number of different problems people have with color vision. Abnormal color vision may vary from not being able to tell certain colors apart to not being able to identify any color.

Color vision deficiency affects an estimated 8% of males and fewer than 1% of females. Most color vision problems run in families and are inherited and present at birth.

A child inherits a color vision deficiency by receiving a faulty color vision gene from a parent. Abnormal color vision is found in a recessive gene on the X chromosome, therefore, color vision deficiency is a sex-linked condition. Because males only have one X chromosome, they are more likely to have color vision deficiencies than females.

Heredity does not cause all color vision problems. One common problem happens from the normal aging of the eye’s lens. The lens is clear at birth, but the aging process causes it to darken and yellow. Older adults may have problems identifying certain dark colors, particularly blues. Certain medications as well as inherited or acquired retinal and optic nerve disease may affect normal color vision.

At Westside Optometry, we test our young boys and some girls for color vision deficiency. Any child who is having difficulty in school should be checked for possible visual problems including color vision impairment. If there is a family history of color deficiency or your child is having problems identifying colors, let us know so he/she can be tested.

The specialized cells in the retina are called rods and cones. You use these cells for normal vision. Rods are useful for night vision and working in dim light. Cones are responsible for color vision. They work best in daylight. Three types of cone pigments are present in normal vision. These are sensitive to either blue, green or red colored objects. Together, they let you see a wide range of colors, from purple through red.

For normal color vision, all three cone pigments must work correctly. When a cone pigment is abnormal or missing, a type of color vision deficiency results. For example, the most common deficiency causes confusion between red and green colors. In rare cases, a person is born without any cones. These people are truly “color blind.” They see the world in shades of gray and suffer significant visual impairment. Most types of color vision deficiency are present at birth. There are also some types caused by aging, eye disease or injury.

Color Vision Testing

There are several ways to test color vision. Simpler tests involve colored figures (either shapes or numbers) placed against a busy, patterned background. A person with normal color vision can see the figures against the background. Those with color vision deficiencies cannot see the symbols.

At Westside Optometry we do a more specific test that requires placing colored disks in order, from one shade to another. People with different color deficiencies place the disks in varying order.

Unfortunately, there is no cure for hereditary color vision deficiency. Many people with color vision deficiency develop their own “system” or learn to identify colors by other means. Some people learn to tell colors apart by brightness and location. A stoplight, for example, is designed so the colors are always in the same order.

 

Color Vision Deficiency

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Color vision deficiency is often called “color blindness” by mistake. Color vision deficiency describes a number of different problems people have with color vision. Abnormal color vision may vary from not being able to tell certain colors apart to not being able to identify any color.

Color vision deficiency affects an estimated 8% of males and fewer than 1% of females. Most color vision problems run in families and are inherited and present at birth.

A child inherits a color vision deficiency by receiving a faulty color vision gene from a parent. Abnormal color vision is found in a recessive gene on the X chromosome, therefore, color vision deficiency is a sex-linked condition. Because males only have one X chromosome, they are more likely to have color vision deficiencies than females.

Heredity does not cause all color vision problems. One common problem happens from the normal aging of the eye’s lens. The lens is clear at birth, but the aging process causes it to darken and yellow. Older adults may have problems identifying certain dark colors, particularly blues. Certain medications as well as inherited or acquired retinal and optic nerve disease may affect normal color vision.

At Westside Optometry, we test our young boys and some girls for color vision deficiency. Any child who is having difficulty in school should be checked for possible visual problems including color vision impairment. If there is a family history of color deficiency or your child is having problems identifying colors, let Dr. Griffith know so he/she can be tested.

The specialized cells in the retina are called rods and cones. You use these cells for normal vision. Rods are useful for night vision and working in dim light. Cones are responsible for color vision. They work best in daylight. Three types of cone pigments are present in normal vision. These are sensitive to either blue, green or red colored objects. Together, they let you see a wide range of colors, from purple through red.

For normal color vision, all three cone pigments must work correctly. When a cone pigment is abnormal or missing, a type of color vision deficiency results. For example, the most common deficiency causes confusion between red and green colors. In rare cases, a person is born without any cones. These people are truly “color blind.” They see the world in shades of gray and suffer significant visual impairment. Most types of color vision deficiency are present at birth. There are also some types caused by aging, eye disease or injury.

Color Vision Testing

There are several ways to test color vision. Simpler tests involve colored figures (either shapes or numbers) placed against a busy, patterned background. A person with normal color vision can see the figures against the background. Those with color vision deficiencies cannot see the symbols.

At Westside Optometry we do a more specific test that requires placing colored disks in order, from one shade to another. People with different color deficiencies place the disks in varying order.

Unfortunately, there is no cure for hereditary color vision deficiency. Many people with color vision deficiency develop their own “system” or learn to identify colors by other means. Some people learn to tell colors apart by brightness and location. A stoplight, for example, is designed so the colors are always in the same order.

Protecting Children’s Eyes from Sun Damage

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Parents generally take precautions to protect their children’s skin from the sun; it is equally important to make every effort to protect children’s eyes from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays and glare. Just as we may not see the damage to our skin for years, we also may not see the damage to our eyes for some time. But each part of the eye can be damaged by chronic or high-dose exposure to UV radiation. Even the glare of an overcast day can add to the cumulative affect. Possible effects of long-term sun exposure to the eyes include:

  • The development of skin cancer on the eyelids
  • Changes to the surface of the eye, such as non-cancerous growths on the white of the eye
  •  Over time, the lens becomes more opaque and decreases vision forming cataracts
  • Damage to the retina, which can lead to age related macula degeneration, the leading cause of legal blindness in the US in people over 65 years.

In fact studies conducted over the last 30 years have proven that many of the serious eye diseases associated with aging are at least partially a result of years of sun exposure. Protecting children’s eyes are especially important due to two significant factors:

  1. Children spend more time outdoors. The average child receives 80% of his lifetime UV exposure before the age of 20.
  2. More damaging rays are transmitted through the young child’s crystalline lens to the retina. The eyes of children 10 years and younger transmit 75% of these rays; people 25 years or older only transmit 10%.

The simplest and most efficient way to prevent or delay the onset of   progression of various eye diseases is by using sunglasses or photochromic protective lenses designed to protect all damaging sun rays from reaching the eyes, ideally starting in early childhood. For a child who already wears corrective lenses, this can be achieved with polycarbonate photochromic lenses, which change color according to UV exposure. For a child who does not wear corrective glasses, a high quality pair of sunglasses is recommended.

 

Give your child every chance to see, learn and play

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Did your child pass the vision screening administered at school last year? Did he see the acuity chart tacked to the door at the pediatrician’s office? Although these tests are helpful in spotting a few basic eye problems, they don’t take the place of a comprehensive eye examination.

Very often screening tests simply measure how well your child can see at a distance. Other vision concerns, such as farsightedness, lazy eye, crossed eyes, poor eye coordination, or poor depth perception may go undetected. Often children do not recognize these problems themselves because they have “always seen it this way.”

Parents and teachers may be puzzled about a child’s slow progress in school. For example, if a child is farsighted, he or she will see distant objects clearly, but may have problems focusing the eyes for close work. The same child who can read the eye chart easily at a distance may have a difficult time seeing words close up in a textbook or on a math worksheet. As a result, reading problems may develop that can affect the student’s learning and achievement.

A comprehensive eye examination includes measurements of the vision at distances far away which is important for seeing the board and playing sports and closer distances which are important for reading, computers and desk work. The exam also includes evaluation of how the eyes work together and the ocular health.

Success during the first few years of school can significantly impact your child’s confidence and success. If a child can’t focus, track (follow words on a page) and otherwise see properly, reading and development will be delayed making school a frustrating experience.

When scheduling back-to school appointments, don’t forget to include the eye doctor.

Firework Safety

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Fireworks

 

For most of us, celebrating the Fourth of July means barbeques and fireworks. Unfortunately, the fun can be cut short when fireworks are used inappropriately and cause serious injuries. One of the most common causes of firework injury is when a device explodes before expected. This often results in cuts, burns and bruises in and around the eye. Sparklers are not exempt, in fact they are responsible for a significant percentage of eye injury cases.

According to a study by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, fireworks were the culprit for an estimated 8,800 injuries treated in US emergencies departments during 2009. Of these, 54 present were children and teens under the age of 20 years.

Below are tips to help protect and preserve eyesight during the Fourth of July holiday.

  • Discuss firework safety with children and teens prior to the Fourth of July holiday.
  • Do not allow kids to handle fireworks and never leave them unsupervised near fireworks.
  • Wear protective eyewear when lighting and handling fireworks of any kind.
  • Store fireworks, matches and lighters in a secure place where children won’t find them.
  • Refrain from purchasing sparklers. Heating up to 1,800 degrees, sparklers are the number one cause of fireworks injuries requiring trips to the emergency room.
  • Be aware of your surroundings and only light fireworks when family, friends and children are at a safe distance.

Have a happy and safe holiday!

Kids and Glasses

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Over the winter holiday we saw a lot of kids and fit a lot of “first pairs of glasses.” It is a thrill for everyone at Westside Optometry to see a child’s face light up when he or she puts on the glasses for the first time. Usually, she is a little surprised at the new vision, but a smile quickly follows as she tries to look at everything, running to the window, picking up magazines, and especially looking in the mirror.

Because children mimic what they see, I encourage parents to set a good example and attitude about how to wear and care for the new glasses. Here are some suggestions:

  • Use both hands when taking glasses off to protect the hinges.
  • Do not try to bend any part of the frames. If the glasses feel too tight or loose, bring them to our office for adjustment.
  • Never place your glasses anywhere they can be stepped or sat on.
  • Do not let anyone play or try on your glasses.
  • Keep your glasses in their case when you are not wearing them.
  • Clean your glasses with water and a soft cloth, not your shirt.

If your child plays sports, remember that regular glasses do not provide protection from injury. Make sure your child wears the right kind of sports safety eyewear at all times when playing sports.

2012 New Years Resolutions

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If you make your 2012 resolutions with the intention of achieving good health and well-being, you will be benefiting your eyes also. Here are recommendations from Westside Optometry to get you started:

1. QUIT SMOKING

Smoking contributes to cataract formation, macular degeneration and dry eyes.

2. EAT MORE FRUITS AND VEGETABLES

Anti-oxidants and other nutrients found in a variety of fruits and vegetables can prevent age-related ocular conditions such as cataracts and macular degeneration.

3. EXERCISE REGULARLY

Exercise can benefit you in many ways. It reduces stress, helps control weight and improves circulation all benefits for you and your eyes.

4. SCHEDULE EYE EXAMINATIONS FOR THE KIDS

It is never to early for children to have their eyes examined. The American Optometric Association recommends the first eye exam at 6 months of age. Early detection of vision problems can save your child much frustration when learning to read and play sports.

Happy New Year

Holiday Gift Safety

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I think the Prevent Blindness Organzation sums up gift safety better than I can so I am sharing their press release.

Children Should Spend the Holidays with Friends and Family, Not in the Emergency Room

The holiday shopping season is already in full swing for retailers as well as shoppers who are eager to begin purchasing everything on their lists. But, when it comes to toys and gifts, the lowest sale price may not be the safest for children.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) estimates in its most recent report that hospital emergency rooms treated 251,700 toy-related injuries in 2010 throughout the United States. Of that number, 72 percent of injuries were to those less than 15 years of age.

Additionally, the CPSC found that 46 percent of the estimated 251,700 ER-treated injuries occurred to the head and face area. Lacerations, abrasions and contusions made up most of these injuries.

Prevent Blindness America, the nation’s oldest eye health and safety organization, has declared December as Safe Toys and Gifts Awareness Month. The group encourages everyone to make conscientious purchasing decisions based on what is best for each individual child.

“In the excitement of the season, sometimes we may forget that not every gift is appropriate for every child,” said Hugh R. Parry, president and CEO of Prevent Blindness America. “By taking a few, easy safety precautions, we can keep the holidays happy for everyone!

Prevent Blindness America suggests:

Make recommendations to family members and friends about gifts that you feel are appropriate for your child. Be diligent about inspecting these gifts before allowing your child to play with them.
Inspect all toys before purchasing. Monitor toys that your child has received as gifts to make sure they are appropriate for your child’s age and developmental level.
For younger children, avoid play sets with small magnets and make sure batteries are secured within the toy. If magnets or batteries are ingested, serious injuries and/or death can occur.
Gifts of sports equipment should always be accompanied by protective gear (such as a basketball along with eye goggles or a face guard with a new batting helmet for baseball or softball).
Any toy that is labeled “supervision required” must always be used in the presence of an adult. Keep toys meant for older children away from younger ones.

Always save the warranties and directions for every toy. If possible, include a gift receipt. Repair or throw away damaged toys.
Avoid toys that shoot or include parts that fly off.
Inspect toys for sturdiness. Your child’s toys should be durable, with no sharp edges or points. The toys should also withstand impact. Dispose of plastic wrapping material immediately on toys as they may have sharp edges.
Don’t give toys with small parts to young children. Young kids tend to put things in their mouths, increasing the risk of choking. If the part of a toy can fit in a toilet paper roll, the toy is not appropriate for children under the age of 3.
For more information on safe toys and gifts for children as well as general children’s eye health topics, visit preventblindness.org.

Back to School in 3D

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If  your child has not been enjoying the 3D summer movies, he or she may have a vision problem.

The 3Ds of Stereoscopic 3D viewing

  • Discomfort: Since 3D viewing is based on the eyes converging in front of or beyond the screen, viewing 3D images can potentially create eyestrain and headaches.
  • Dizziness: 3D technology can exaggerate visual motion hypersensitivity, which can cause motion sickness, and vergence-accommodation conflict, causing viewers to feel dizzy or nauseous during or after watching 3D movies.
  • Lack of Depth: A viewer lacking binocular vision, simply won’t see 3D. While this doesn’t pose any problem viewing the screen, it serves as a “vision screening” that something is abnormal with the viewer’s binocular vision.

Symptoms indicating a potential problem viewing images in 3D can vary. Some common symptoms include headaches, blurred vision, nausea and dizziness. If you or your child have had an uncomfortable experience watching a movie in 3D, call Westside Optometry for an eye examination.

Firework Safety

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Fireworks For most of us, celebrating the Fourth of July means barbeques and fireworks. Unfortunately, the fun can be cut short when fireworks are used inappropriately and cause serious injuries. One of the most common causes of firework injury is when a device explodes before expected. This often results in cuts, burns and bruises in and around the eye. Sparklers are not exempt, in fact they are responsible for a significant percentage of  eye injury cases.

According to a study by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, fireworks were the culprit for an estimated 8,800 injuries treated in US emergencies departments during 2009. Of these, 54 present were children and teens under the age of 20 years.

Below are tips to help protect and preserve eyesight during the Fourth of July holiday.

  • Discuss firework safety with children and teens prior to the Fourth of July holiday.
  • Do not allow kids to handle fireworks and never leave them unsupervised near fireworks.
  • Wear protective eyewear when lighting and handling fireworks of any kind.
  • Store fireworks, matches and lighters in a secure place where children won’t find them.
  • Refrain from purchasing sparklers. Heating up to 1,800 degrees, sparklers are the number one cause of fireworks injuries requiring trips to the emergency room.
  • Be aware of your surroundings and only light fireworks when family, friends and children are at a safe distance.

Have a happy and safe holiday!