This article originally appeared in Be Well, a health
information newsletter published for members of the Greater Marlborough
community.
Marlborough Hospital ophthalmologist Jeffrey Levine, MD, speaks with
conviction about the importance of eye care for children. As a specialist in eye
care for all ages, Dr. Levine offers a wide range of diagnostic and therapeutic
services to address such issues as near or farsightedness or less common
conditions such as hereditary eye diseases, retinal degeneration and abnormal
alignment of the eyes.
But eye care for the youngest members of the family, he believes, is
sometimes overlooked. "Most children born today have healthy, normal eyes, but a
few enter the world with serious eye diseases or disorders, some of which may
not be obvious. In most cases, these problems can be identified and treated even
during the first few years of life," said Dr. Levine. "This is why an eye
screening at an early age is so important. Sadly, by age 10 or 12, it may be too
late to correct a condition that could have been treated at an earlier age," he
added.
According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, every child, even those
without noticeable eye problems, should have a vision screening and/or eye
examination between his/her third and fifth birthdays. Examination of the eyes
should be performed on newborns and at all follow-up visits to the doctor as
well. Newborns should be closely examined for eye abnormalities that can result
in visual problems. Early detection of treatable eye disease in infancy and
childhood can have far-reaching implications for vision and, in some cases, for
general health.
"Any child identified as having a possible eye abnormality or who fails a
vision assessment performed by the pediatrician should be referred to an eye
care specialist who treats younger patients," added Dr. Levine. "Through careful
evaluation of the ocular or eye system, retinal abnormalities, cataracts,
glaucoma and other disorders can be identified. Prompt treatment of these
conditions can save a child's vision."
Because children do not usually complain of visual difficulties, a vision
screening is an important part of complete pediatric eye care. Things an
ophthalmologist will test for include nearsightedness, farsightedness and eye
movement. These problems are not common, but it is important to identify
children who have them at an early stage.
Vision development and eye health problems can be more easily corrected if
treatment is begun early. "I see lots of kids who are referred to me because
they are experiencing headaches," Dr. Levine explained. "Frequently it isn't
their vision causing the headaches, but it is certainly something that must be
ruled out."
Good vision is essential for proper physical development and educational
progress in growing children. The visual system in the young child is not fully
mature. Equal input from both eyes is required for normal development of the
visual centers in the brain. "If a growing child's eye does not provide a clear
focused image to the developing brain, then permanent irreversible loss of
vision may result. Early detection provides the best opportunity for effective
treatment," added Dr. Levine.
Dr. Levine's office is located at 65 Fremont Street, Marlborough. The
telephone number is 508-485-6653. For information on all the ophthalmology
specialists affiliated with Marlborough Hospital, please call the Physician
Referral Services at 508-481-6668.