Q. How often should eyes be examined?

A. The American Optometric Association recommends that every child should have an examination at 6 months of age, age 3, age 5, and every year thereafter, or at an interval recommended by the doctor. Adults should be examined at least every two years, or more frequently if there is a risk or family history of certain systemic diseases (such as high blood pressure or diabetes) or eye diseases (such as glaucoma).

Q. What is the best way to safeguard vision?

A. In addition to having your eyes examined regularly, protective eyewear is very important. Fortunately, most prescriptions can be made in polycarbonate lenses, which are unbreakable. These lenses also filter ultraviolet light. UV blocking lenses are important for sun wear, due to the effects of excessive UV on cataracts and retinal function. There is no substitute for quality eyewear.

Q. How old does a child have to be in order to be prescribed contact lenses?

A.  Some infants are born with cataracts, or a high amount of nearsightedness in one eye. If vision is not corrected early on, irreparable vision loss can occur. These are unusual cases, but make the point that the time to fit contact lenses is when both the parent and child are ready, willing, and able. More common cases are children whose nearsightedness is increasing rapidly. Age is less of a factor than the proper indications, and the necessary motivation.

Q. Why do most people need reading glasses in their 40's?

A. The condition known as presbyopia occurs when you can no longer see clearly far away and up close with the same prescription. If you never needed glasses before, this usually means you will need reading glasses. It doesn't matter what your color, weight, or religion is, everybody experiences this condition somewhere in their 40's.

Q. What's this I hear about surgery to do away with glasses or contacts?

A. This has undergone an evolution in the last few years. The original way of doing this, RK, involved surgical incisions at the edge of the cornea. Although publicized to be promising, there was too much fluctuation and unpredictability with this procedure. The more common method has become laser surgery, or PRK. Other procedures such as Lasik, for higher amounts of power reduction, seem to be more predictable. We can suggest the names of experienced surgeons when you are ready for a consultation about these procedures.

Q. Can sitting too close to the television or computer harm your eyes?

A. While the rays from the monitor have not proven harmful in research to date, it has been proven that sitting too close can cause eye strain and/or increases in nearsightedness. Our office can provide information on visual hygiene and vision therapy.

Q. Do vision problems cause learning disabilities, dyslexia, or ADD?

A. While vision problems do not cause any of these conditions, they are often associated with them. In her book, "Reading by the Colors", Helen Irlen recommends that all patients diagnosed with dyslexia have a complete vision examination before being treated with tinted lenses. Many people labeled with these conditions have undiagnosed vision problems that are the primary reason for their symptoms.