Everyone thinks it is easy to “see” their child’s eye problems. It is always a big clue for parents and guardians to notice children squinting or when they keep getting headaches. But whether it’s a vision correction or a serious eye health concern, it might not be something that comes from simple observations.
Early in life, babies can only see 8 to 10 inches from their faces. Eyesight begins improving at 12 to 16 weeks, but it is uncommon for eye problems to occur at that early age. If there are problems, they usually emerge between eighteen months and four years old.
At Park Ophthalmology, a childhood concern can often center on of two fairly common issues: a crossed or wandering eye, or an uneven focus.
- Crossed Eyes: Three to 5 percent of children have a crossed or wandering eye. Although it looks as though the eye itself is causing the problem, it’s actually the brain that creates the situation.
- Uneven Focus: Sometimes, one eye is more farsighted than another. This happens in 2 to 3 percent of children. It’s often hard to find out, because children don’t realize there is a problem.
While neither of these is life threatening, if they are left untreated the brain will eventually begin ignoring messages and images from the weaker eye. The brain can even stop developing nerve connections to that eye, which might lead to permanent vision loss as early as age 9 or 10.
Early Detection is Always the Best Cure
It is important to note that many parents take their children to the dentist early in life, but wait until age seven or eight for the Ophthalmologist and that first essential eye exam. The age children begin to learn to read. These two above conditions can be discovered during regular vision screenings. Once assessed, both can be corrected if it’s discovered early enough. Remember, even if your child isn’t rubbing his or her eyes or squinting, there may still be an eye problem. Early detection and regular exams can save your child’s eyesight.
Your pediatrician assesses your child’s eyes for general problems during his or her first year of life. By age 3, regular checkups with Doctor Beth Friedland (see picture upper right) can help determine any eye issues.
Call Park Ophthalmology today to set up a check-up for your child’s eyes.
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Park Ophthalmology Renamed AETNA Preferred Provider
Across the Triangle, residents who have AETNA Insurance can use it at both Park Ophthalmology offices in Raleigh and Durham. We have again been named their preferred provider. It is now even easier for you to get the eye care you need.
Park Ophthalmology also accepts Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, and others; please call the office for further information.
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Park Ophthalmology welcomes patients from all areas of the Triangle and offers a wide variety of specialized services including surgery for diseases of the eye, vision examinations, eye safety information, sports medicine protective eyewear and counseling, contact lenses and evaluation, and all types of ocular diagnosis and treatment. Many types of surgery are available, including cataract and laser surgery. We are here for you and your eye and overall health. Give us a call today!
This article about the benefits of eye care is brought to you by the professional team at Park Ophthalmology located in the Triangle Region of North Carolina.
The information contained in this blog article is intended solely for informational purposes and is not intended to be offered as medical advice.
Locations:
5306 NC Highway 55, Suite 102 (adjacent to the RTP/ Research Triangle Park)
Durham, NC 27713
Office: 919 544 5375
Fax: 919 544 5829
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Park Ophthalmology North
6512 Six Forks Road, Suite 105
Raleigh, NC 27615
919 846 6915
Office Manager Jenny Whitman, e-mail: jenny.brfeyecare@ncrrbiz.com.
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