Teens
(Ages 13 to 19)
Some estimates say that up to 10 per cent of children start school with a vision problem, according to information from the Canadian Association of Optometrists. By the time children reach high school, the percentage of those who have problems more than doubles. Because these are the years when bodies are growing and eyes are changing quickly, William J. Ulakovic, an optometrist and president of the Ontario Association of Optometrists, recommends an annual eye exam for all teens, not just those who wear corrective lenses. This may not be covered by your provincial health plan.
Potential problems
• Hyperopia, or farsightedness: a condition in which people can see objects at a distance clearly, but have difficulty seeing things that are close to them. Hyperopia is actually more common than myopia, but it doesn't require correction. Most children entering school are slightly farsighted, but because the lenses of their eyes are young and strong, they’re able to see clearly objects both near and far. As the body grows and changes, this farsightedness generally decreases.
• Myopia, or nearsightedness: people with this condition can see only close objects clearly. It affects about 25 per cent of the entire population. Myopia is usually diagnosed or detected by age 12. It does not normally develop in adults. Myopia is treated with corrective lenses; as the teen ages, the prescription usually becomes stronger, until it stabilizes.
Monitors
Are you worried about your children sitting too close to the computer screen or TV for too long? No need to worry – there is no proof this leads to the need for corrective lenses.
Adults
(Ages 20 to 40)
Eye conditions for most people remain stable during these decades. It is the time when some people may consider some form of laser refractive surgery, such as LASIK, to correct their hyperopia, myopia or astigmatism.
Potential problems
Adults only need to see a doctor if they experience the following: changes in vision (such as sudden spots or wavery or blurry vision); changes in the field of vision (such as shadows or blurriness in central or side vision); changes in colour vision; the loss of or a decline in vision; or physical changes to the eye (such as crossed or turned eyes, redness or swelling).
Healthy adults who don't notice anything wrong with their eyes only need to see an optometrist or ophthalmologist once every 10 years.
Page 2 of 5 – on the next page: eye health for older adults
