Vision Care

Look Into It!

Eye Examinations

According to the American Association of Ophthalmology (AAO), trained personnel should perform eye exams. These exams can detect visual defects and eye diseases such as glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration.

The AAO also recommends guidelines for the timing of eye exams for children and adults.

Eye Exams for Children

Children should receive eye exams at the following times:

· Between birth and three months old,

· Between six months and one year,

· Age three, and

· Age five.

Eye Exams for Adults

The AAO recommends the following timeline for adult eye exams:

· Every three to five years between ages twenty and thirty-nine,

· Every two to four years between ages forty and sixty-four, and

· Every one to two years after age sixty-five.

Eye Protection for Children

Parents and coaches must be responsible for providing children with protective eyewear and other safety gear for playing sports. Some sports where using protective eyewear is recommended are: baseball, basketball, tennis, soccer, and hockey.

Parents can also act to prevent eye injuries at home.

· Keep all spray bottles and chemicals out of the reach of children.

· Do not let children ignite fireworks, and keep them away from others who are lighting them.

· Keep children away from the lawnmower—stones and debris can be thrown from the blades and cause serious injuries.

· Avoid giving your children toys with projectile parts, such as bows, arrows, and darts. Discourage them from playing with BB guns, pellet guns, or air rifles.

Protect Yourself from Computer Vision Syndrome

Computer vision syndrome (CVS), is an eye condition recognized by the American Optometry Association. CVS affects vision and overall productivity for video display terminal and computer monitor users. People suffering from CVS often display the following symptoms:

· Eyestrain,

· Headaches,

· Slow focus transitions,

· Eye irritation (dryness, redness, and burning), and

· Contact lens discomfort.

What can you do to help prevent and alleviate CVS?

· Change the arrangement of your workstation.

· Cut glare from overhead lighting with neutral density micromesh filters.

· Clean your screen often using an anti-static cloth.

· Keep reference materials close to the monitor to minimize head and eye movements and focus changes.

· See your eye care practitioner—you may need to be fitted for corrective lenses.

Schiff, Kreidler-Shell can help you locate vision coverage.

Schiff, Kreidler-Shell welcomes the opportunity to help your organization examine these and any other questions you may have. Please contact Tom Colvin, J.D., CLU at 513-977-3128.