Night Lite right
or not for Tots?
Researchers at the University of
Pennsylvania and the Children's Hospital
of Philadelphia say that children who
sleep in a dimly lighted room until age
two may be as much as 50 percent more
likely to develop myopia, or near
sightedness, as they grow up. The study
suggests that too much light prompts the
eyes to grow excessively and alters their
natural focus during the first two
years of life.
The study has been challenged by
other specialists for not taking other
environmental or genetic factors into
account, but asserts a higher incidence of
myopia with increased illumination at
night. About one in four Americans is
myopic, but children often go undiag-
nosed until they report difficulty seeing
the blackboard.
Dr. Khudairi recommends an annual
comprehensive eye exam, not merely
a brief vision screening done at the
pediatrician's office, for all children
starting at age two. Dr Khudairi notes:
"We can collect a lot of information
about a child's visual ability and eye
health, even in a child too young to
communicate. Early detection of some
visual conditions means early inter-
vention and prevention possible
permanent sight problems in certain
cases.
"I encourage all families with younger
children to consider the benefits of proper
annual aye care for every member of
the family to promote clear vision and
healthy eyes throughout the years."
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Consumer Reports on: LASIK
A recent article in Consumer
Reports featured the effects of
LASIK surgery (reshaping the
cornea with the excimer laser) to
correct for nearsightedness
(myopia), astigmatism, and even
farsightedness (hyperopia). One
common, but often temporary, side-
effect is glare from light sources,
especially at night. This is caused
by irregular scatter of light through
the aspheric cornea that has a
flatter central portion after surgery.
As the ey heals and its shape
reforms to a more spherical shape,
there is less light scatter and,
therefore, less glare. Often, it takes
3 to 6 months for the effects to
dissipate, and in rare cases, up to
12 months for glare to resolve.
Dr. Khudairi had LASIK surgery in
January 1999 and comments, "The
glare and halo effect around lights
at night was bothersome at first,
even though I knew it was a
temporary side effect. It did not
really change much until after
three months, when my corneas had
healed significantly. Now, seven
months after surgery, the glare is
completely resolved. The LASIK
surgery was well worth enduring the
short-term side effects. Practically
all my patients who have had LASIK
have reported similar enthusiasm,
especially when fully informed
about what to expect. The number
of satisfied patients referring
family, friends, and coworkers to
pursue laser corrective surgery is
very encouraging. Now that
farsighted individuals are eligible,
there has been a remarkable
interest by patients in all age
groups."
We invite you for a no-obligation,
no-cost consultation for information
to see if LASIK is appropriate for
you. Call today for an appointment!
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