Doyle Opticians and Marcus Opticians

Vision Screening isn't the same as a comprehensive eye exam

Vision Screening is not the same

Vision screening is a brief exam that can catch some existing and potential vision problems. A screening cannot actually diagnose what is wrong with your eyes - it usually only determines that the subject should make an appointment with an eye doctor for a more comprehensive exam. Typical vision screening only tests acuity-distance, which is what most people know as viewing the standard eye chart and measuring vision at a distance.

A children's comprehensive eye exam should include testing of Acuity for both distance vision and near vision - since near vision is crucial for reading skills.

Eye Tracking and Fixation Skills tests the ability of eyes to follow an object, used when moving eyes across a sheet of paper while reading.
Binocular Fusion tests the ability of using both eyes together.
Stereopis tests depth perception.
Convergence tests both eyes working together as a team.

Other tests include:

Color Vision
Reversal Frequency
Visual Memory
Form Discrimination

EYE EXAMS in ILLINOIS - Public Act 095-0671

(1.10) Except as otherwise provided in this Section, all children enrolling in kindergarten in a public, private, or parochial school on or after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 95th General Assembly and any student enrolling for the first time in a public, private, or parochial school on or after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 95th General Assembly shall have an eye examination. Each of these children shall present proof of having been examined by a physician licensed to practice medicine in all of its branches or a licensed optometrist within the previous year, in accordance with this Section and rules adopted under this Section, before October 15th of the school year. If the child fails to present proof by October 15th, the school may hold the child's report card until one of the following occurs: (i) the child presents proof of a completed eye examination or (ii) the child presents proof that an eye examination will take place within 60 days after October 15th.

Some common children's visual conditions that aren't detected by eye chart alone:

Amblyopia, otherwise known as "lazy eye". Amblyopia is a neurological condition that can be caused by anything that interferes with vision in either eye between birth and 6 years. If left untreated, loss of vision and depth perception may result.

Hyperopia, which makes it difficult to focus at near viewing (reading).

Strabismus, a condition where a person eyes do not align under normal circumstances. This is not a condition that children outgrow.

Convergence Insufficiency is a near vision problem that interferes with a child's ability to see, read, learn and work up close.

Children and Glasses - Looking for the Perfect Fit

Children have special needs when it comes to fitting glasses. It is best to work with an optician that frequently works with children, because they will have the necessary experience and often have a large selection of appropriate frames. Doyle Opticians and Marcus Opticians have been specializing in children's fittings for many years and many doctors refer their patient here because of the selection and experience we offer.

Choosing the right frame is crucial. Comfort is important because glasses don't do any good if a child won't wear them. Polycarbonate lenses are shatter proof and have UV protection built in to block harmful sun. Children should not be allowed to wear adult frames in hopes that they will grow into them. Quality glasses will not only hold up better, but will be more comfortable for your child.

Frames should not touch the cheeks or eye lashes and eyes should be centered in the lenses. Infant and toddler glasses have cable temples which wrap around the ear for better fit. As children get order (5 or 6 and up) children may need sport glasses as their lifestyle change and organized sports become part of their daily activities.

How Old Does My Child Need to Be for Contacts?
While children can physically tolerate contacts at a young age, there are many factors involved in the decision to allow children to wear them. How responsible is your child? Can he/she remember to do their chores on time and turn in their homework on time? Is their hygiene appropriate for contacts?

Many studies have shown that responsible children 11 and older do well with one-day disposables, with 90% having no trouble inserting and removing the lenses without parental assistance.

Only your eye doctor and optician can help you decide if the time is right, so be sure to discuss it with them first before agreeing to your child's request for contact lenses.

SUNGLASSES - More than just a fashion statement

The Vision Council of America conducted a study that found that nearly half of parents reported that their children seldom or never wear sunglasses with 100% UV protection. Studies have shown that the sun's harmful UV rays can lead to increased risk for cataracts and macular degeneration as we age. With UV exposure everywhere outdoors, be sure that your child is protected by an appropriate pair of sunglasses.

Some things to look for:

100% UV Protection
Proper Fit - Chances are a child won't just "grow into" cheap sunglasses so select a pair that fits right for today.
Impact resistant lenses
Spring hinges help to stand up to rough wear
For very young children, look for straps or ear pieces that wrap around the ears, this helps keep them up on their nose.

Specialty Sunglasses for children
	Children's eyes are very vulnerable to UV rays, and the younger the child, the more protection they need. Lenses in children's eyes do not have the same protective pigments that adults eyes have.
	A child's lens is totally transparent, and has a very large pupil, which allows them to absorb more solar radiation than adults. Even in the shade, eyes are exposed to UV rays reflected by the sky and surfaces around us. Babies and young children depend on adults to provide the appropriate eye protection.
	Until children reach the age of 3, they spend most of their time looking up to see the world. Sunglasses for babies (photos to the right) have large, dark lenses that are shock resistant. Flexible frames and strong lenses are important for active children. All Julbo's glasses are fun, colorful, reversible, with wrap-around styling. They provided 100% protection against UVA, UVB and UVC rays.
	Between the ages of 3 and 10, children need sunglasses that can take a lot of punishment, look great and provide great eye protection, like the glasses shown at the left. Julbo also provides frames for ages 10 to 15 which combine the style teens want with the size and shape of their heads for great fit.