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DORAL EYE CENTER
All too often, the measurement of vision is based solely on
clarity of vision or whether a child can correctly identify letters on
the "20/20 line". However, this test ignores the assessment
of other visual skills that are so important to children, particularly
when trying to obtain meaning and understanding of what they are
reading.
Thus, parents are left with the false sense of
security that their child is not having visual difficulties while the
true problem remains overlooked. Unfortunately, the child's
difficulties might not only persist, but worsen as well.
Vision made up of a set of skills and abilities of
which 20/20 eyesight is only one. Most visual skills must be
"developed", and this is not truly done until well after
birth.
Other visual skills, which are necessary but very
rarely mentioned, include two-eyed coordination, focusing, eye
movements and tracking. For example, a child may see clearly at
chalkboard distance, but still have blurry vision while reading a
book, suffer from eyestrain,
have headaches, and feel fatigue throughout his school
day. These problems often will reduce a child's comprehension,
attention and ultimately school performance.
Identification of a visual problem is the first step
in helping a child to overcome visual difficulties. A doctor
knowledgeable in developmental vision can do testing for visual
difficulties other than just whether or not your child can see 20/20.
The tests performed in the exam are geared toward assessing those
specific skills so important in school performance.
Treatment may be done through a serious of optometry
procedures proven effective in enhancing school performance of
children limited by visual problems.
This article is intended to be a reference to help
parents, teachers, and tutors recognize and understand the many visual
problems interfering with the school performance of children.
Dr. Espinoza specializes in Pediatric Optometry at the
Doral Eye Center located at 10445 NW 41 Street. She may be reached at
305-406-3040.
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