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Lots of School Kids Squint to See Chalkboard
Experts urge parents to get their kids' eyes checked regularly

More than 20 percent of kids aged 12 to 17 have trouble seeing
the classroom chalkboard, a new national survey shows.

Of the nearly 1,500 children in the survey, more than 25 percent
of the teen age group complained of headaches, even though 45
percent of them wore some type of prescription eyewear.

About 25 percent of children aged 6 to 11 wear prescription
glasses, according to the survey, conducted by Prevent Blindness
America and VSP Vision Care. Eye problems among children
increase with age.

The most common vision problem in older children was
nearsightedness (myopia), a condition in which close objects are
seen clearly but objects that are far away, such as chalkboards,
are blurry.

All children should have their vision checked regularly, according
to Prevent Blindness America. Unfortunately, more than 66
percent of those under the age of 6 have never had their eyes
examined by an eye doctor, the survey found.

"The good news is that most common eye problems in older
children, including myopia, can be effectively treated if diagnosed
early. We urge all parents and caregivers to have their child's
vision checked regularly to promote a lifetime of healthy vision,"
Hugh R. Parry, president and CEO of Prevent Blindness America,
said in a news release from the organization.




SOURCE: Prevent Blindness America/VSP Vision Care, news
release,
Aug. 3, 2009

80% of the learning
kids do everyday in
school occurs through
their eyes. When was
the last time your
child had his or her
vision tested?
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