With August deemed Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month, there cannot be enough stress placed on the importance of protecting children (including teenagers) eye health.  Healthy eyes and good vision are essential for the physical and educational development of children. Most children have healthy eyes. However, vision problems can begin at an early age and go unnoticed by both children and their parents. Early detection and treatment are indispensable in preventing conditions that could potentially cause problems or permanent vision loss.

Christina, a high school student in Manhattan Beach, California walked into her eye doctor’s office thinking it was just going to be another eye appointment and yet another glasses fitting.  Dr. Dale Choi, of Manhattan Beach Vision Group, recommended Christina get an optomap image as part of her exam that day.  To their surprise, the image revealed a significant finding.  Dr. Choi discovered a retinal hole with a large sub-clinical detachment in her left eye.  Dr. Choi reviewed the image with Christina, explaining that she would need to be referred a retina specialist that same day, to repair the hole and save her sight. Fortunately for Christina, the local specialist was able to repair the hole with no damage to …

While to some it may feel as though summer has just begun, others are already feeling the pressures of checking off every item on their back to school lists.  With all the hassle of stocking up on school supplies or finding the perfect pair of shoes, there is often one important item that gets left off every parent’s list – a comprehensive eye exam.  Although schools generally do some basic testing of children’s vision, there is no doctor to perform a comprehensive exam or diagnose problems with your child’s eyesight.  According to experts, nearly 90 percent of what is taught in school is done so visually, therefore without excellent vision, children are left at a disadvantage.  Those with poor eyesight may struggle with school and learning, leaving them unable to reach their maximum potential.  A yearly comprehensive eye exam can not only ensure your child’s vision is healthy or corrected, but also rule out diseases that can potentially lead to vision loss.

Just as their bodies are rapidly growing, children’s eye are also changing. The slightest change in vision can cause eye strain, headaches or blurred vision which can be very distracting in school.  Myopia and hyperopia, also known as near or …