Contacts and Eyeglasses the Main Source of Injuries for Youth
According to the report of American Academy of Ophthalmology, the tiny, translucent contact lenses, and the eyeglasses on kids’ noses, they’re a potential source and cause for incidents that happen in their eyes.
Contact lenses are the most common cause of medical-device associated injuries among children over the age of 11, according to research published this week in Pediatrics. The article reviewing medical records from 100 hospital emergency departments between 2004 and 2005, estimated that nearly 34,000 (or 23 percent) of annual cases were due to contact lens injuries in children and teens.
Contact lenses and eye glasses accounted for 40 percent of all medical device associated injuries. The lenses were associated with corneal abrasions, ulcerations and conjunctivitis (swelling or infection of the membrane lining the eyelids). Eyeglasses were reported to cause lacerations to the eyes or face.
The American Academy of Ophthalmology issued a statement reiterating that contact lenses are medical devices that require a prescription, proper fitting by an eye care professional and proper care by the consumer.
Experts suggest if children experience pain, burning, redness, tearing or sensitivity to light while wearing any type of contact lenses, the organization advises checking with your eye doctor.
In the released study, researchers advised parents and guardians of children to “determine” the maturity level of their children before purchasing contact lenses for them. The study advised the usual procedures for hygiene in order to reduce the amount of contact lens-related injuries: washing the hands, keeping proper contact with lenses, kept in a clean case in a clean place, and replacing them promptly if there are problems such as itchiness after wearing the lenses.
Other medical devices involved in many emergency room visits for America’s youth are typically wheelchairs, powered scooters, eyeglasses, crutches, and hypodermic needles. Ear tubes, heart devices, catheters and other such medical instruments are also of concern for the safety of children.
This is a serious warning to the youth with refraction errors. Both the parents and kids themselves should keep a special eye on this issue.
Source: CNN blog