Monthly Archives: January

switching to contact lenses

Switching to Contact Lenses: 4 Essential Tips for Parents

For children who wear glasses, the idea of switching to contact lenses can be exciting. Whether it’s for sports, aesthetics, or convenience, many kids ask their parents if they can make the change. But as a parent, how do you know when the time is right?

How Old is Old Enough for Switching to Contact Lenses?

There’s no hard and fast rule for when a child is ready for contact lenses—it depends more on their maturity than their age. Many recommendations suggest waiting until at least age 10, but some younger children are responsible enough to handle contacts with proper guidance. Consider whether your child consistently handles responsibilities like brushing their teeth or doing chores. If they’re not great at keeping track of their glasses, they may struggle with contacts.

Are Contact Lenses the Right Choice?

Switching to contact lenses isn’t just about convenience or appearance. Here are some additional factors that parents should evaluate when making their decision:

  • Lifestyle and Activities – Contacts are ideal for kids involved in sports or activities where glasses can get in the way. For example, wearing contacts under a helmet is much easier than trying to keep glasses secure during a game.
  • Eye Health – Not all children are good candidates for contact lenses. Certain eye conditions, like severe allergies or dry eye, may make contacts uncomfortable or impractical. During the exam, we can assess whether your child’s eyes are suitable to make the switch.
  • Hygiene and Responsibility – Contacts require a high level of hygiene. If your child isn’t diligent about washing their hands, cleaning their contacts, and following care instructions, glasses may remain the safer option.

Important Care Instructions

If you decide that switching to contact lenses is the right choice for your child, it’s essential to teach them proper care. Start with these tips:

  • Always Wash Hands – Before touching contacts, hands should be washed with soap and water and dried with a lint-free towel.
  • Follow Wearing Schedules – Encourage your child to stick to the recommended wearing time. Overwearing lenses can lead to eye infections or irritation.
  • Clean Lenses Properly – For reusable lenses, use the recommended solution to clean and store them. Never rinse lenses with water or saliva.
  • Replace as Directed – Disposable lenses should be discarded after the recommended wear period, even if they seem fine.
  • Watch for Warning Signs – Teach your child to report any discomfort, redness, or blurry vision immediately. These could be signs of an infection or other issues requiring professional attention.

Work With the Family Vision Team to Make Switching to Contact Lenses a Success

Making the switch to contact lenses can be a positive experience for many children. By carefully considering the important factors discussed above and working closely with our knowledgeable team, you can help them make a smooth and successful transition. When you visit Family Vision Development Center, we will evaluate your child’s eye health, discuss the pros and cons of the various types of contact lens choices and materials, help you decide as a family what the right choice would be for your child’s lifestyle and preferences, and even guide them through their first fitting. Of course, we will answer any questions you or your child may have so that everyone is comfortable with this new responsibility. This is an exciting and empowering time for your child and we look forward to helping during this time. To learn more or to schedule an appointment, contact our office at 630-862-2020.

 

Family Vision Development Center is a full-service vision center offering innovative vision therapy services, sports vision therapy services, post-concussive vision rehabilitation, comprehensive vision exams for eyeglasses and contact lenses, management of ocular diseases including glaucoma, diabetes, macular degeneration and cataracts, and a state-of-the-art optical center offering the latest designs in eyewear.

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vision therapy program benefits

Consider These Key Factors When Exploring a Vision Therapy Program

A vision therapy program is a specialized treatment designed to improve visual function or help restore normal vision. As a parent, it can be difficult to determine if your child would benefit from such a program. However, understanding the signs that indicate a need for vision therapy, along with the benefits it offers, can help you make an informed decision.

What Is Vision Therapy?

A vision therapy program is a non-invasive, customized treatment plan that helps develop or improve fundamental visual abilities. It uses targeted exercises and activities to improve visual skills such as eye tracking, focusing, eye teaming, and hand-eye coordination. Unlike corrective lenses or surgery, vision therapy focuses on training the brain and eyes to work together effectively.

Signs Your Child May Benefit from a Vision Therapy Program

Vision disorders are not always obvious, but there are some signs that parents can watch for that can indicate that an issue exists. If your child struggles with any of the following, a vision therapy program might be worth exploring:

  • Learning Difficulties – Trouble reading, frequent skipping of words or lines, or reversing letters could signal a vision issue rather than a learning disability.
  • Poor Hand-Eye Coordination – Difficulty with tasks like catching a ball or handwriting may indicate visual-motor integration issues.
  • Struggling with Focus – Signs include frequent rubbing of the eyes, headaches, or inability to concentrate on close-up tasks.
  • Double Vision or Blurred Vision – These symptoms can make reading and other activities challenging.
  • Strabismus or Amblyopia – Conditions like crossed eyes or a “lazy eye” often benefit from vision therapy, helping to align and strengthen the eyes.
  • Behavioral Changes – Frustration, avoiding schoolwork, or withdrawing from activities may result from unaddressed vision problems.

Benefits of a Vision Therapy Program

A vision therapy program can offer numerous advantages for children facing visual challenges:

  • Improved Academic Performance – Enhanced reading and comprehension skills often lead to better grades and a boost in confidence.
  • Better Focus and Attention – Exercises to strengthen focusing abilities can reduce distractions and fatigue during tasks.
  • Corrected Vision Issues – A vision therapy program can address underlying problems, helping to improve conditions like amblyopia or convergence insufficiency.
  • Enhanced Athletic Performance – Better hand-eye coordination and depth perception translate to improved sports abilities.
  • Greater Confidence – Success in vision therapy often results in increased self-esteem and a more positive attitude toward learning and activities.

What to Expect in a Vision Therapy Program

At Family Vision Development Center, we tailor each vision therapy program to meet your child’s unique needs. During an initial evaluation, we will perform comprehensive tests to identify visual deficits. From there, a treatment plan will be developed, incorporating tools like lenses, prisms, or computer-based exercises. Regular progress assessments help to ensure the program adapts to your child’s development.

Restoring Normal Vision and Beyond

Vision therapy can be transformative for children, helping them to overcome challenges and achieve their full potential. By addressing the root causes of vision problems, a specialized vision therapy program supports not only better eyesight but also improved learning, confidence, and quality of life. Our dedicated team has advanced training and extensive knowledge in a wide variety of vision therapy techniques so we can address each patient’s individual needs and answer all of your important questions. Contact our office at 630-862-2020 to find out more or to schedule a consultation.

 

Family Vision Development Center is a full-service vision center offering innovative vision therapy services, sports vision therapy services, post-concussive vision rehabilitation, comprehensive vision exams for eyeglasses and contact lenses, management of ocular diseases including glaucoma, diabetes, macular degeneration and cataracts, and a state-of-the-art optical center offering the latest designs in eyewear.

 

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new year vision care

Healthy Vision in the New Year: Easy Ways to Make Eye Care a Priority in 2025

As the new year begins, many of us are setting resolutions to improve our lives—whether it’s eating healthier, exercising more, or managing stress. One resolution that often gets overlooked, but is just as essential, is prioritizing proper eye care. Your vision is one of your most vital senses, and taking steps to protect it now can pay off for years to come.

Why Vision Health Should Top Your Resolution List in the New Year

Your eyes play a crucial role in your daily life, from enjoying beautiful scenery to working and connecting with loved ones. Yet, eye health is often taken for granted—until something goes wrong. Here’s why it’s time to change that mindset:

  • Early Detection of Issues – Regular eye exams can catch problems like glaucoma, macular degeneration, or diabetic retinopathy before they lead to serious complications.
  • Improved Overall Health – Did you know your eyes can reveal clues about your overall health? Eye exams can detect signs of conditions like hypertension, diabetes, or high cholesterol.
  • Enhancing Quality of Life – Proper eye care helps ensure you maintain clear vision, reducing the risk of falls, accidents, or difficulty performing everyday tasks.

Regular Eye Exams: A Simple Resolution with Big Rewards

The beauty of making eye care a priority in the new year is that it’s easy to implement. Scheduling an annual comprehensive eye exam is a straightforward way to stay on top of your vision health. During these exams, we will check your eyes for:

  • Visual acuity and refractive errors (e.g., nearsightedness or farsightedness).
  • Eye pressure and optic nerve health to screen for glaucoma.
  • Signs of eye diseases or systemic health conditions.

Plus, routine checkups allow us to update your prescription as needed, which ensures that you’re seeing as clearly as possible.

Simple Habits to Protect Your Vision All Year

In addition to regular eye exams, adopting a few simple habits can help protect your vision throughout the year:

  • Wear UV-blocking Sunglasses – Protect your eyes from harmful ultraviolet rays when outdoors.
  • Take Screen Breaks – Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
  • Eat Eye-Healthy Foods – Incorporate foods rich in vitamins A, C, and E, as well as omega-3 fatty acids, into your diet.
  • Use Protective Eyewear – Shield your eyes during activities like sports or home improvement projects.

Visit Family Vision Development Center for Year-Round Vision Care

Make this the year you commit to protecting one of your most precious assets—your sight. At Family Vision Development Center, we are dedicated to helping our patients of all ages achieve healthy vision all year long. Along with our comprehensive vision exams that help us detect and correct vision problems as they arise, we also have an extensive selection of designer frames and lenses in our state-of-the-art optical center. We’ll help you select the perfect choice that not only improves your vision but compliments your lifestyle and needs.

Additionally, our vision therapy programs can help correct many common binocular vision disorders, can restore proper vision following a concussion or head injury, and can even help athletes sharpen their skills and improve their game on the court or field. Reach out to get the new year started right – call us at 630-862-2020 to schedule an appointment!

 

Family Vision Development Center is a full-service vision center offering innovative vision therapy services, sports vision therapy services, post-concussive vision rehabilitation, comprehensive vision exams for eyeglasses and contact lenses, management of ocular diseases including glaucoma, diabetes, macular degeneration and cataracts, and a state-of-the-art optical center offering the latest designs in eyewear.  We are dedicated to keeping our patients comfortable and well-informed and we will explain every exam and procedure and answer all of your questions.  We accept both scheduled and emergency appointments, and offer convenient financing and insurance options to ensure that high-quality vision care is available and affordable to all of our patients.

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