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Last Updated: May 18th, 2009 - 22:29:48
The Role of Vision in Children’s Performance
By Safe Kids Worldwide and the American Optometric Association Sports Vision Section
May 13, 2009, 21:04
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What we see determines what we do; and for children in particular, good eye health and optimal vision are critical factors for better performance at school, at work and at play.
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| Image courtesy of Alexander Boden cc2.0 |
To help parents, caregivers and others who have an interest in seeing children perform their best, the American Optometric Association (AOA) Sports Vision Section and Safe Kids Worldwide® have teamed up to offer a free educational brochure, titled Healthy Eyes for Peak Performance.
“We know there’s a connection between optimal vision and optimal performance, so good eye health and vision correction should be a consideration for performance-minded individuals of all ages – on the field and off,” says Graham Erickson, O.D., and Chair of the AOA Sports Vision Section. “This free brochure provides parents with a better understanding of how to foster and maintain their children’s healthy vision for peak performance.”
Both glasses and contact lenses are good options for those who need vision correction – and Healthy Eyes for Peak Performance, sheds new light on a growing body of research about the benefits of contact lens use beyond vision correction alone.
“Studies show that children, some as young as eight years old, who wear contact lenses feel better about their physical appearance, acceptance among friends, and their ability to play sports than children who wear glasses,” says Dr. Erickson. “This should give parents greater confidence in allowing children to choose the option of contact lens wear when vision correction is required.
“Doctors will typically evaluate a child’s maturity and level of parental support in determining if they are ready for contact lenses, and will work with parents to choose which contact lens option is the best fit for that child,” he adds.
The brochure also offers practical advice on how to maintain children’s healthy vision, including information on the importance of regular eye exams, the harmful effects of extended exposure to the sun, and the necessity of protective eyewear during sports activities.
“Each year, hospital emergency rooms treat more than 40,000 sports-related eye injuries, and more than one-third of the victims are children,” notes Chrissy Cianflone, Director of Program Operations, Safe Kids Worldwide. “It is estimated that more than 90 percent of these injuries could be prevented by taking the proper precautions such as wearing proper helmets or goggles.”
Healthy Eyes for Peak Performance can be viewed or downloaded at the following websites: www.safekids.org/eyes, www.aoa.org/performance.xml, and www.acuvue.com/peakperformance.
© Copyright 2009 by Classbrain.com
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