Dr. Charissa Lee
Eye exams are about more than just vision. In fact, a comprehensive eye exam can detect more than 270 different medical conditions – from diabetes to heart disease. Despite the many benefits that exams provide, only 1% of people know the benefits of getting one.
It is even more critical for children. A new study shows that children with visual impairments show greater symptoms of depression and anxiety.
While many schools conduct routine vision screenings for students, these exams typically do not examine all aspects of visual function and eye health. School screenings are a good start, but it’s important for children to get a thorough exam by an eye care professional to evaluate their overall eye health and determine if their eyes are working properly.
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It can be difficult for children to voice vision problems for many reasons. Children may think that their eyesight is fine because they can read the letters on the eye chart, but the question is twofold: First, how well can the child actually see? Second, can both eyes see well and work together?
Children may not have difficulty seeing but, beneath the surface, their eyes are not cooperating as they should. Sometimes, only one eye is functional and the brain compensates for the work of the other eye, leading children to believe that their eye is fine when there is an underlying problem.
That’s why it’s important to consider a comprehensive eye exam for your child, which provides a more accurate indication of overall health and function. Eye care professionals are often the first health care professionals to detect chronic medical conditions, including symptoms related to mental well-being.
The optic nerve connections formed from birth to six to nine years of age are dynamic. That is, the earlier one is caught at this stage of the connection process, and the earlier intervention is possible, the better the outcome as children grow into adulthood. Untreated eye conditions in childhood can increase the risk of developing conditions like retinal detachment, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and cataracts later in life.
At Johnson & Johnson Vision, we are dedicated to redefining a healthy look for life and including letting the world know “Prioritize Your Eyes.” Prioritizing Eyes is our worldwide effort to raise awareness of the connection between eye health and overall health. Our mission is to encourage everyone to take the most important step to protect their eyes – get a comprehensive eye exam.
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If someone waits until their vision is blurry to see an eye care professional, it may be too late. Certain eye diseases can easily go undiagnosed, as many do not produce symptoms on the surface. And, just because someone can see well, it doesn’t mean that person is healthy. A comprehensive eye exam is important for overall health because it can help with early detection of conditions that may be overlooked.
According to the American Optometric Association, children can have their first eye exam between the ages of six and 12 months. Even if your child is not visually challenged, consider getting a comprehensive eye exam. Find a local eye doctor near you – this can be a simple step to knowing that your child’s vision and eye health is being managed.
Dr. Charissa Lee, North America Professional Affairs, Johnson & Johnson Vision
This guest column is the opinion of the author and does not necessarily represent the views of the Times-Union. We welcome diversity of opinion.
