August is Children’s Eye Health Month:
4 Hidden Signs of Vision Problems in Kids
As summer winds down, families of school-aged children scramble to get ready for the new school year. But one of the most important yet often overlooked necessities is healthy vision.
As children grow and change from year to year, so do their eyes and vision. School demands intense visual involvement. It doesn’t matter if children are in the classroom or learning from home. Learning can involve reading, writing, computer, and chalkboard/smartboard work. Even physical education and sports need strong vision. If their eyes aren’t up to the task, a child may feel tired and have trouble concentrating and perform poorly on school tests.
Sometimes parents can tell if their child has a vision problem. Their child may squint or hold reading material very close to their face. They may also complain about things appearing blurry. There are some less obvious signs of vision problems as well.
Four Subtle Vision Symptoms in Kids:
1. Having a short attention span
2. Losing their place when reading
3. Avoiding reading and other close activities
4. Turning their head to the side
Learn more from the American Academy of Ophthalmology
Celebrate Contact Lens Health Week August 19-23
Millions of people wear contact lenses safely every day. But there is a risk of getting an eye infection from them.
The most common eye infection from contact lenses
Keratitis is the most common eye infection from wearing contact lenses. It is when the cornea—the clear, dome-shaped window of the eye — becomes infected. In some cases, it can scar the cornea, affecting your vision. If the cornea is severely scarred, a corneal transplant may be needed to eliminate damage from the eye infection and have clear vision again.
What causes eye infections from contact lenses?
There are a number of things that can cause a contact lens-related infection. Some causes of infection may include:
- using extended-wear lenses
- sleeping in your contact lenses
- having microbes build up under the lens
- herpes virus
- bacteria, fungi, or parasites
- not keeping lenses or cases clean, or reusing or topping off contact lens solution
Learn more from the American Academy of Ophthalmology
Ask the Doctor: What Are Vision Symptoms of Cataract?
Here are some vision changes you may notice if you have a cataract:
- Having blurry vision
- Seeing double or a ghosted image out of the eye with cataract
- Being extra sensitive to light (especially with oncoming headlights at night)
- Having trouble seeing well at night, or needing more light when you read
- Seeing bright colors as faded or yellow instead
If you notice any of these cataract symptoms, schedule an appointment by calling 908-781-2020
Learn more from the American Academy of Ophthalmology
Press the arrow below to view video “What is a Cataract?”
Connect with The Optical Shoppe
(908) 719-2020
DID YOU KNOW: The Optical Shoppe is open until 7 pm on Monday and 1 pm on Saturday
10 Tips for Choosing Your Child’s Eyewear
f you’re a parent in search of the right pair of eyeglasses for your child, you probably know that walking into an optical boutique can be confusing.
There is no shortage of children’s eyeglasses. The problem is figuring out which glasses your child will be willing to wear — and will they last longer than the ride home?
Here are 10 shopping tips to help you choose glasses your child will love and that will be stylish and durable.
1. How thick will the lenses be?
The eyeglass prescription is always the primary consideration in choosing glasses. Before you start looking for the frames, consult with your eye doctor or optician about your child’s lenses.
If the prescription calls for strong lenses that are likely to be thick, avoid large frames that will increase the thickness of the lenses. Also, smaller lenses tend to have fewer higher-order aberrations near the edge of the lens than large lenses of the same material and prescription, so there is less risk of blurred or distorted peripheral vision.
2. Choose a modern, attractive style
Most kids will be self-conscious wearing glasses for the first time. So choose frames that have a modern, attractive style. Also, features like photochromic lenses that darken automatically in sunlight outdoors may help inspire your child to want to wear glasses.
Special Pricing for Kids
Package pricing for kids 17 and under as little as $139 complete. *
Some exclusions apply. See optician for details.
Offer expires October 31, 2024
Connect with The Optical Shoppe
(908) 719-2020
DID YOU KNOW: The Optical Shoppe is open until 7 pm on Monday and 1 pm on Saturday
Our Doctors are Always Here to Help
Scheduled appointments offered 6 days a week and some evenings.
Emergency services available.
Call Now: 908-781-2020
