Many parents know to take their child to the dentist when they’re young to prevent cavities, but what about protecting their vision? 7’s Alexis Rivera shows us the clear signs to look for in tonight’s Medical Report.
WSVN — Cindy Tanner is constantly running after her son Michael literally.
Cindy Tanner: “He’s active, constantly moving around, bouncing around.”
So she was surprised when his pediatrician said he needed to get his vision checked at the tender age of two.
Cindy Tanner: “She wanted me to see an eye specialist because she thinks there is some crossing.”
Pediatric ophthalmologist Scott Cardone says it’s important to have your child’s vision checked early on.
Dr. Scott Cardone: “It’s difficult because your typical two or three year old isn’t going to tell you there’s something going on with their vision.”
Because if there is a problem it needs to be detected and treated at an early age.
Dr. Scott Cardone: “If we don’t catch children before their eyes mature by around eight it can be too difficult to treat.”
Michael was diagnosed with amblyopia or lazy eye, a common childhood condition.
Dr. Scott Cardone: “When one of the eyes isn’t focused properly or is sending a blurred image instead of a clear image to the brain, the visual centers don’t develop normally.”
Dr. Cardone says parents should look for eye crossing or eye drifting.
He recommends parents go through old photos of their child looking for red eye.
Dr. Scott Cardone: “If you see any asymmetry where one looks more dull than the other or more brighter than the other, that could be an indication that something is going on inside the eye.”
Michael wore a patch over his good eye to help the weaker eye get stronger, and now he wears glasses to watch TV or play a video game.
Cindy Tanner: “He says mommy I put on my glasses can I play on the tablet?”
Cindy now has Michael’s eyes checked every three months.
She admits she didn’t know what to look for before but is thankful that his condition was caught early.
Cindy Tanner: “Just constantly look at where their eyes are going and how they’re moving cuz that will tell you everything.”
Alexis Rivera: “Dr. Cardone says some kids will grow out of their glasses by age nine or 10. But make sure they continue to get their annual vision screenings.”
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