Eye Care in Austin

What is Dyslexia?

Posted by on Jan 5, 2012 in Eye Care in Austin | 0 comments

What is it?

There are many kids who are diagnosed with dyslexia each year. This condition, which is commonly mistake as a problem with the eyes, makes it difficult for young kids to learn. The brain does not properly comprehend the words, letters, or numbers placed before the child and as a result, the child sees little more than a jumbled mess. Obviously, the inability to read properly can drastically diminish a child’s chances of success in other fields of study as well. This condition can make school a very frustrating place and often takes some time to diagnose because the child doesn’t understand that he or she is seeing things differently that everyone else.

There are several warning signs that parents and teachers can watch for that will make it easier to detect the problem early. For instance, children with dyslexia will generally be slow to speak, may have difficulty learning new words, with rhyming, or even with following multi-step directions.

As the child works his or her way through school, the problem will be easier to detect as he or she continually mistakes single words on flash cards or has repeated difficulty linking sounds to form words.

In order to diagnose dyslexia, a medical professional will generally administer a reading and skills test. In addition, some choose to include an IQ test as well. The scores receive on these exams can help the doctor determine if the child is truly suffering with the learning disability.

How is it Treated?

If it is found that a kid has dyslexia, he or she will receive special assistance to ensure that he or she doesn’t fall behind in the academic setting. Though this condition does make it more difficult to learn, children with dyslexia are often very intelligent and can shine when taught to overcome the issue. Though specialized practice, the student can begin to prosper as much as any child without dyslexia. Unfortunately, the condition is one that lasts a lifetime, but with the proper instruction at an early age, affected individuals can overcome the obstacle.

Is it Dyslexia or Vision Trouble?

Many faulty links have been drawn between visual acuity and dyslexia in the past. For instance, it was once believed that the condition was the result of the eyes working improperly. At that time, children with the disorder were taught to cover one eye as they read and it was believed that this would help them overcome the condition. Today, that is no longer the case. As research on the condition has continued, it has been proven that dyslexia is a result of a brain malfunction, rather than a problem with the eyes.

Nevertheless, it is important for children with the signs of dyslexia to have their eyes checked by a professional. Many of the symptoms associated with the learning disorder are also seen in children who have refractive errors; who need corrective lenses. A South Austin opthalmologist can assist in determining if the problem is truly dyslexia or something else entirely.

Broberg Eye Care
207 James Casey St # 305
Austin, TX 78745-1193
(512) 447-6096

Importance of routine eye care in children

Posted by on Mar 26, 2010 in Eye Care in Austin | 0 comments

Most parents are diligent in taking their children to the pediatrician for their annual check-ups. One of the big worries in parenting is the health of your child and you want to do everything that you can to make sure they are healthy and on track to be the healthiest adult possible. Some parents forget that routine eye care for their children is very important. A lasik surgery consultation may need to be performed if your children have vision problems.

The testing of children’s eyesight is performed at school. If your child comes home with a note from his school that he needs to see an eye doctor to follow up to his test, you must take this seriously. The longer you wait to take your kid to the doctor, the longer he will likely struggle to see, which can affect his ability to read and learn. This is not something to put off to another day. You may have to see a macular degeneration specialist depending on the diagnosis.

There are some schools, however, that do not have the funding for such programs and all responsibility for eye check-ups will fall to the parents. What this means is that you will need to take your children for annual check-ups at an eye care facility in order to make sure that their eyesight is good. Having regular check-ups will detect any need for glaucoma treatment. You need to be aware of cataracts as you get older.

You may not think kids require glasses until they are nine or ten, but many kids need glasses at a younger age. This can be true if one or both of their parents has nearsightedness, as it can be an inherited condition. If you see your child struggling to read signs they may need glasses. Some people may need lasik surgery. Older people may need lens implants later in life.

Taking your child to an eye doctor is a good idea because it can help to establish a baseline of eye health. The doctor will be able to notice any deterioration in eye health. A child’s eye is growing and changing at a rapid rate and once healthy eyes can become weaker over time. That is why routine care is important. Remember that as age continues vision changes. Corneal transplant surgery is necessary for some of the elderly in our society.

Going to an eye doctor can be just as intimidating to a child as going in for shots or to the dentist, especially if they have not done so before. Take some time before the appointment to explain to your child what will happen. Tell them about the importance of the visit.

About the Author: Mark Masters has authored may pieces on the eye care & surgery industry and enjoys keeping his readers up to date in this field