Broward College Offers Tips for Children's Vision and Learning Month

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL (July 29, 2015) – Researchers estimate that 1 out of 4 children has an undiagnosed vision problem that is interfering with their ability to read, write and learn. With children getting ready to go back to the classroom, Broward College Associate Dean of the Vision Care Center, Lloyd Holness, is offering tips for Children’s Vision and Learning Month to focus on the importance of recognizing and managing possible vision problems.

Recognize the physical symptoms of a vision problem. It is important to differentiate between a learning disability and a vision problem, since the behaviors associated with both are very similar. In fact, some children are misdiagnosed with a learning disability when they really have a vision problem. If a child complains of frequent headaches, blurry distances, holds objects too close to their face, squints, has poor hand-eye coordination or difficulty following a moving object, or covers or closes one eye – they may have a vision problem.

Children should have a comprehensive eye exam before school starts. Good eye health is vital to a child’s overall wellbeing. While 20/20 vision means that a child can see from a distance, a child with 20/20 vision can still have a vision problem, such as difficulty with focusing, tracking and coordination. For school-aged children, the American Osteopathic Association recommends an eye exam every two years if no vision correction is required. For children who require glasses or contacts, they should have an annual exam.

Protect a child’s eyes from the sun’s harmful rays. Sunglasses are the best line of defense against damaging radiation from sunlight. Well-designed, well-fitted sunglasses are vital for anyone going outdoors during daylight hours, but especially for children. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation can reach the eye directly or indirectly and over time damage the eyes.

For more information about Broward College’s Vision Clinic, which is open to the public, visit http://www.broward.edu/community/dentalvision/pages/default.aspx or contact Angela Nicoletti at 954-201-7939 or anicolet@broward.edu.

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