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An eyeful of problems

Barely out of their diapers, some are already sporting spectacles. A peek into the eye problems of children

FOR A CLEAR VISION It's never too early to diagnose an eye problem in children

There was something unusual about that photograph of second standard students... and then it struck - a good many toothlessly grinning seven year olds were wearing spectacles! It certainly set us thinking - why is it that of late so many kids, some barely out of their diapers, are seen sporting spectacles? Is it a fall-out of Gen-X unwisely embracing the American diet of greasy snacks and gooey desserts, relegating carrots, chock-a-block with Vitamin A, to the rabbit hutch? Are television and computers, those popular punching bags, really responsible for the magnitude of the problem? (How come nobody's blaming books?)

Bulls-eye!

According to Dr. K. Ravi, president, Tamil Nadu Ophthalmic Association, it is only a myth. "There is absolutely no scientific truth that computers and television are responsible for eye problems. Also, with fortified foods being the norm, vitamin deficiencies are no longer an issue. As a paediatric ophthalmologist, he finds that these days more parents are bringing their children for eye examinations. "Parents are alerted about a potential eye problem when the kid goes close to the television to catch the onscreen happenings, and kids with myopic (short sighted) vision have obvious difficulties in the increasingly large classrooms," he says.

"Eye problems are always hereditary - an atavistic genetic trait, sometimes skipping generations. But since the visual requirement today is much higher than what it was for our ancestors, we can't hope to get away with poor vision," adds the doctor. Primary school teacher Viji Arunkumar says that when she finds a student repeatedly squinting, and whose work is full of spelling mistakes, she immediately advises the child's parents to get an eye check-up done. "If it is not immediately attended to, it affects the student's performance," she adds.

"When my son was in L.K.G, he had trouble writing, and used to strain his eyes while watching television. A visit to an ophthalmologist confirmed our suspicions - he needed corrective glasses. Since we found out early, his `power' hasn't increased," says a relieved Jayanthi Anantharaman. Dr. Ravi says it is possible to find out refractive errors even in newborn babies. "Parents should keep in mind that it is never too early to diagnose."

Sore sight?

Sadly, diagnosing the problem doesn't automatically translate into sharp-eyed, smiling kids... for they have to contend with their cruelly honest comrades. Not so long ago, spectacles were accorded the unpopular epithet `soda-buddi'. Then again, those were the days of ungainly `glass' lens, unflattering fits, and a distinctly nerdy look. But surely after Harry Potter, and his celebrated cellophaned glasses, kids shouldn't really mind corrective lenses. Regrettably that is not the case. "When their classmates touch the `funny object' and make fun, kids are chary to wear their prescription glasses, especially to school, where it is unfortunately most needed," says Viji Arunkumar.

Jayanthi feels that other kids must be educated about its importance, so that they stop teasing those who wear glasses. "My son was ragged initially and refused to wear it. We spoke to his teacher and she had to intervene on his behalf."

Turning a blind eye

Early detection of eye problems (be it near or far sightedness) can be corrected with glasses or contact lenses, says Dr. Ravi, underscoring the need for basic eye tests even when there are no obvious problems. "After wearing spectacles in the early years, the kids can later switch to contact lens, and by the time they are 18, `Zyoptic' or wave-front technology can be used to correct eye problems. But if left undetected, it can lead to `lazy eyes' - where the visual pathway doesn't develop, resulting in visual deprivation," he warns.

It's probably imperative then to launch a campaign, to spread awareness about eye defects and the fallouts of delaying treatment. "Routine eye examinations are vital for early detection of problems. To achieve this end, we are starting a programme called `Rota vision' to screen all children in Tamil Nadu from ages 6 to 9. Also we're lobbying for a legislation to make eye testing a pre-requisite to seek admission in schools," says Dr. Ravi.

All that it takes, to protect the apple of one's eye, is a quick visit to the Ophthalmologist! It rests squarely on the parents, to ensure that their kid can see the world clearly, in all its Technicolour glory.

APARNA KARTHIKEYAN

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