Dr. Lynn Cates
Specializing in pediatric infectious diseases and childhood immunizations.
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 Ask Dr. Cates
Safeguarding a Child's Vision | | | QUESTION | | | Dear Dr. Cates,
My 2-1/2-year-old was seen by a eye doctor, not a pediatric specialist. He said she was extremely farsighted. However, she has great hand-eye coordination, kicks a ball while running, and loves to read. He suggests she wear glasses. I'm not quite comfortable getting her glasses--she won't even wear a barrette. I don't see any problems with her vision--I took her because I had a lazy eye when I was little. If I were to get her glasses, could this harm her eyesight in the long run? Or will I harm her eyesight if I don't get her glasses? Finally, I wonder if this eye doctor realized that she was two--he kept asking her questions a two-year-old couldn't answer, such as, "Are the lines perpendicular?" Help!— Amy in Westerly, RI | | | ANSWER |
November 20, 2000 | | | Dear Amy,
I am pleased that you are so careful about your daughter's vision. Many young children need glasses in order to optimize their eyesight. Just because she is able perform many activities requiring good vision doesn't necessarily mean that her vision is as good as it can be. Even subtle problems could slow down her ability to acquire reading and writing skills, as well as skills requiring physical coordination. This is why you should either go ahead with his recommendation to get glasses, or look for a second opinion.
Since you noted that the eye doctor you saw did not specialize in children and did not seem to perform an age-appropriate evaluation, the second opinion should be from a pediatric ophthalmologist if possible. A pediatric ophthalmologist not only can perform a thorough, age-appropriate examination, if your daughter needs corrective lenses, he will have a lot of experience helping children get used to wearing glasses. You also should remember that a second opinion from someone you trust will help you sleep better knowing that you have done what is right for your daughter's vision.— by Lynn Cates, M.D., F.A.A.P. |
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