Vision & Perception in Teens
The brain makes vision possible, not the eyes, as many would guess. The eyes gather information, and the brain interprets or perceives the input. Without the intertwined properties of vision and perception, images wouldn't make any sense. During the teen years, vision systems continue to develop, completing growth by the early 20s, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Regular eye exams for your teen can catch common vision system problems that could create school or learning difficulties.
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Teen Eye Care
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KidsHealth.org recommends that teens should have a vision exam every two years, unless eye pain, poor vision or a family history of eye problems dictates having one more frequently. Make eye injury prevention a habit during the teen years. Regular use of sunglasses with UV protection prevents sun damage from occurring over the long term. Parents can also help teens develop an awareness of times when eye protection can prevent sudden injury. Sports, science lab and shop class require safety glasses.
Common Vision Problems
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Some common vision problems your teen might encounter include myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism. "Myopia," better known as nearsightedness, is indicated by problems focusing on objects that are far away. Nearsightedness stems from an eye shape that is longer from front to back, causing light to hit the front of the retina instead of directly on it. "Hyperopia," or farsightedness, means your teen has difficulty seeing objects close up. The eye shape in hyperopia is too short, which directs light behind the retina. "Astigmatism" occurs when the cornea is not exactly round, which causes problems with near and far vision. Eyeglasses or contacts can correct your teen's vision in these cases.
Visual Perception Disorders
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A teen with perception problems may have good vision but has trouble making sense of images. Common perceptual errors include perceiving the location of an object in space or in relation to another object. This might make it difficult to identify similarly shaped letters or read from left to right. "Visual discrimination" involves the ability to recognize the individual characteristics of an object and distinguish it as different from its surroundings. This makes it difficult to recognize math symbols and to read charts and graphs. "Visual motor integration" means using sight to guide body movements. Problems in this area can cause a teen to seem clumsy or affect fine motor skills like writing. Interventions to improve these problems should be tailored to the individual.
Contact Lenses
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Your teen may ask to wear contact lenses for cosmetic reasons or because contacts offer a safe option for teens who play sports that could result in broken glasses. Most teens can take responsibility for the care of contacts between the ages of 11 and 14, according to contact lens manufacturer CooperVision. Your eye doctor can help your teen choose the right type of contact lenses, which come in different varieties, including extended or overnight wear versions or daily disposables.
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