A VISION FOR EYE-QUALITY

Do You See What I See? A Vision for Eye-quality

by Tara Payor, Ph.D., photos provided by the Glazer Vision Foundation

My son was born with a congenital cataract. The chances? About one in 10,000. Becoming the one in 10,000 broadened my view of pediatric vision health. As a classroom teacher and a mother, I see the need for adults and children to understand eye health. As parents excitedly set their eyes on August’s biggest prize, sending kids back to school, ophthalmologist Dr. Amy Martino and optometrists with the Glazer Vision Foundation (GVF) share their expertise.

Once kids can read the eye chart (around pre-school), exams can be more comprehensive. Autorefractors can aide in determining the need for glasses.

TBPM: What are the most common pediatric eye issues?

GVF: Refractive errors requiring glasses such as myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), astigmatism (blurry at distance and up close), and strabismus (eye turns). Untreated, they can lead to amblyopia and permanent vision loss. Dr. Martino: With adolescents, be mindful of eye trauma connected to paintball, sports and fireworks.

TBPM: How can parents be proactive in kids’ eye health?

GVF: Comprehensive eye exams, the only way to identify certain eye issues, are as important as regular dentist visits. During screen time, encourage 20 second eye breaks every half hour. Underscore the importance of protecting eyes from the sun with hats and sunglasses. Dr. Martino: While most are nonspecific —rendering it difficult to isolate whether kids’ symptoms are related to vision—they are signs parents can monitor. Eye squinting or rubbing; head tilting to compensate for decreased vision in one eye; sitting too close to screen; headaches; clumsiness in sports; and difficulty in classroom.

TBPM: There are vision screenings and comprehensive eye exams. What key differences should parents understand?

GVF: Vision screenings detect vision issues. Not passing a screening indicates needing a comprehensive eye exam from an eye doctor. Comprehensive exams, offered by GVF’s Mobile Vision Clinic, check eye health; doctors prescribe glasses as needed. Screenings identify issues and exams find solutions.

TBPM: What ages should screenings and exams start?

GVF: Vision screenings are typical at age three and prior to kids starting school. Eye exams are recommended at 6-12 months, 3 and 5 years, and annually as recommended by an eye doctor. Dr. Martino: Newborns’ eyes are checked while they’re still in the hospital.

TBPM: What can caretakers do to help kids develop their visual abilities?

GVF: Reading early on helps develop ocular skills like tracking. Reduce screen time. Research points to the myopia-epidemic: looking at devices up close and for disproportionate amounts of time negatively impacts far vision and leads to needing glasses.

TBPM: What’s effective in helping kids wear their glasses?

GVF: Fun styles. Let kids pick their own frames; make it their choice. Stay positive about glasses. A parent’s support is huge in a kid’s eagerness to wear glasses, and many kids are excited to wear them and see better. Teachers’ encouragement is key for the child with glasses and for his/her peers to witness. Dr. Martino: Young children are mostly motivated to wear glasses because they realize glasses help them see. It’s especially important for children 7 and younger, years when the eyes and brain form key connections, to wear their glasses because not doing so can cause amblyopia.

TBPM: What resources are available to learn more about eye health?

GVF: Visit the Association for Pediatric Vision’s website, myapv.org to find resources dedicated to helping kids 5 and younger. Online resources like InfantSEE offer free eye exams for babies 6-12 months old. Apps like BabySee show how young infants see as their eyes develop.

GLAZER VISION FOUNDATION’S MOBILE VISION CLINIC

The Mobile Vision Clinic is the centerpiece of the Foundation’s commitment to providing critical eye care services to children needing them most. The Mobile Vision Clinic takes doctors and eye care specialists, along with an on-site prescription lens lab and a full selection of eyeglass frames, directly to the students at Tampa Bay area schools. The Mobile Vision Clinic hits the ground running when students return for the 2022-23 school year. Visit GlazerVisionFoundation.org to learn more about providing glasses for all children.

All fun. No filter. Be a Girl Scout.

Kick off the Girl Scout year with adventure at Girl Scout Fest! We invite you and your whole family to get a sneak peek at all the fun and excitement we have in store for you this year. Tickets for Girl Scout Fest are $5 for everyone, so grab a friend and scan here to register today!

Dont miss out on more fun and adventure. Visit gswcf/join and join Girl Scouts today!

CHRISTINA ANTON GARCIA, ESQ. MARITAL & FAMILY LAW

Christina Anton Garcia is an award-winning Tampa Bay attorney with over 14 years of experience practicing exclusively Marital and Family Law. Mrs. Garcia has demonstrated professional achievement and garnered countless recognition in her industry. Along with numerous other honors, Christina has been recognized by Super Lawyers for many years and possesses a superb 10 out of 10 rating on Avvo. A fourth-generation Tampa native and active member of the community, she leverages legal knowledge and extensive experience to provide her clients with the highest level of representation. Christina is focused on the best possible outcome for her clients whether in the collaborative process, the courtroom or a mediation setting. Combining energy, conscientiousness and dedication with legal knowledge and experience, Christina Anton Garcia is dedicated to helping clients achieve the best possible outcomes in family law cases. Education: J.D., University of Florida Levin College of Law; B.S. and B.A., University of Florida

106 S. Tampania Ave. Tampa, FL 33609 (813) 907-9807 TampaAttorneys.com