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Healthcare/BioTech

Eye Surprise: School Screenings Miss 95% of Kids' Vision Problems, Say Experts
By MARKET WIRE
Aug 4, 2008 - 1:36:01 AM

HOUSTON, TX -- (MARKET WIRE) -- 08/04/08 -- Now is the time when kids get back to thebusiness of books, buses, blackboards and... E-Charts. E-Charts?

You remember the E-Chart, that familiar, school-administered eye test thatmothers have trusted for generations to help spot their kids' visionproblems. Take heed, Mom. Today's eye doctors say the E-Chart isn't enough.

Experts say parents who rely only on the school's screening assessment areputting their faith in a diagnostic tool that reveals only part of thestory. The American Foundation for Vision Awareness says the test misses95% of the vision problems children experience.

"The E-Chart is a good place to start, but no parent should stop there,"says David Lopez, the therapeutic optometrist and glaucoma specialist whoserves as chairman of the board of Texas State Optical (TSO), a network ofmore than 100 doctor-owned eye care practices. The Snellen eye chart -- theclinical name for the ubiquitous black and white sign with the big E in themiddle -- identifies only the most obvious problems, says Lopez. "TheSnellen tool will point to children who can't read the blackboard, butthere are many other things that it won't pick up."

The consequence of not knowing, he says, can mean trouble. "Behaviorproblems arise and some kids withdraw socially. Others are misdiagnosedwith attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder."

Lopez says warning signs of eyesight problems include:

--  Squinting, excessive blinking, and frequent rubbing of the eyes--  Short attention span--  Reading frustration or avoidance--  Frequent headaches--  Poor hand-eye coordination or noticeable difficulty playing sports--  Sitting close to the television or reading books close to the face--  Turning their head sideways to look at objects    

He offers parents these preventive tips:

1. SCHEDULE A REGULAR EYE EXAM FOR YOUR CHILDREN WITH AN EYE CAREPROFESSIONAL.

Vision changes over time and children should get eye exams -- not justschool screenings -- every year, even if there are no problems.

2. REVIEW YOUR FAMILY'S HEALTH HISTORY.

Genetics count. If someone in the family has suffered from misaligned eyes,childhood cataracts, glaucoma or another serious eye disease, it's evenmore important to see an eye care professional.

3. PROTECT YOUR KIDS' EYES.

More than 40,000 eye injuries occur every year during sports activities andalmost all are preventable. Learn about eye protection options like speciallenses and goggles, and arm your kids with impact-resistant sunglasses thatprovide 100% UV protection. Think of them as sunscreen and armor for theeyes.

4. CHECK IN WITH THE TEACHER.

Teachers notice signs and symptoms that many parents miss. They can oftenspot an eye problem early. Ask your child's teacher to alert you toanything unusual.

RELATED EVENT, NOTE TO EDITOR -- September is "Children's Eye Health andSafety Month"

Source: David Lopez, O.D., chairman of the board of Texas State Optical(TSO). Founded in 1936, TSO (www.tso.com) is aHouston-based organization comprised of more than 100 doctor-owned andoperated eye care practices in Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Arkansas.

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